Both the ThunderJet Bull Dog 20 ft. 2013 and the ThunderJet Havasu 2009 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. 2013 at 20,0 ft versus ThunderJet Havasu 2009 at 20,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the ThunderJet Bull Dog 20 ft. 2013 tips the scales at 3 300 lbs - 700 lbs more than the ThunderJet Havasu 2009 at 2 600 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. 2013 has a 70-hp advantage over the ThunderJet Havasu 2009's 250-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 50 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.