Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet Bull Dog 20 ft. 2012 vs ThunderJet Luxor OB 2013: A Close Look at Two Modified-V Boats
Both the ThunderJet Bull Dog 20 ft. 2012 and the ThunderJet Luxor OB 2013 are modified-V designs, both built in aluminium, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - ThunderJet Bull Dog 20 ft. 2012 at 20,0 ft versus ThunderJet Luxor OB 2013 at 20,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the ThunderJet Bull Dog 20 ft. 2012 tips the scales at 3 300 lbs - 1 500 lbs more than the ThunderJet Luxor OB 2013 at 1 800 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 320 hp, the ThunderJet Bull Dog 20 ft. 2012 has a 95-hp advantage over the ThunderJet Luxor OB 2013's 225-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 48 gal and 48 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 6 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the ThunderJet Bull Dog 20 ft. 2012 and its 320-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the ThunderJet Luxor OB 2013 with its 225-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
ModelBull Dog 20 ft.
ModelLuxor OB
Model Year2012
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches90
Deadrise8°
Deadrise16°
Weight - Detail3,300 lbs.
Weight - Detail1,800 lbs.
Weight - kg1496.85
Weight - kg816.47
Weight - lbs.3300
Weight - lbs.1800
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 72 in.
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 72 in.
Height - DetailSides: 35 in.
Height - DetailSides: 34 in.
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Inches35
Height - Inches34
Height [transom]35 in.
Height [transom]34 in.
Length - Feet20
Length - Feet20
Length overall - Detail20 ft.
Length overall - Detail20 ft.
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Inches240
Length overall - Inches240
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.375 in. Transom: 0.250 in.
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.19 in Transom: 0.19 in.
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard350 cid multi port fuel injected GM Vortec, closed cooling system
Engine/s standardnot available
ExhaustCatalyzed exhaust with KLS mufflers and intake water strainer (sand trap)
Exhaustnot available
ImpellerTurbo
Impellernot available
Jet pumpHamilton Jet 212 axial flow with JT nozzle, split duct reverse and close coupling
Jet pumpnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max320 hp
Engine max225 hp
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGateway 5,200 lbs. capacity galvanized tandem axle bunk
Trailer - DetailGateway 3,980 lb. capacity galvanized single axle bunk