When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the ThunderJet Bulldog 2009 and the ThunderJet Havasu 2010 are modified vee designs with aluminum construction — 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?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The ThunderJet Bulldog 2009 measures 17,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 15,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the ThunderJet Havasu 2010 at 2,0 feet (2010). At 25 lbs and 26 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 25 hp, the ThunderJet Havasu 2010 has a 23-hp advantage over the ThunderJet Bulldog 2009's 2-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the ThunderJet Bulldog 2009 carries 32 gallons versus 5 gallons in the ThunderJet Havasu 2010. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The ThunderJet Havasu 2010 is rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet Bulldog 2009 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ThunderJet Havasu 2010 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The ThunderJet Havasu 2010 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 13 lbs per hp for the ThunderJet Bulldog 2009. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.