Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet Denali OB 2010 vs ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 — Which Modified Vee Fits Your Needs?
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the ThunderJet Denali OB 2010 and the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 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?
The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 tops out at 320 hp. Engine specs for the ThunderJet Denali OB 2010 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the ThunderJet Denali OB 2010 carries 28 gallons versus 8 gallons in the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013. 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 Rio Classic 2013 is rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet Denali OB 2010 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The ThunderJet Denali OB 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
ModelDenali OB
ModelRio Classic
Model Year201
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.13
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches84
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise6°
Deadrise14°
Width [transom] - Detail72 in
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 78 in
Height [transom]28 in
Height [transom]35 in
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet22
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail22 ft
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Inches192
Length overall - Inches264
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail4,200 lbs
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg1905.09
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.42
Height - Detailnot available
Height - DetailSides: 35 in
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches35
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessBottom & Sides: 0.19 in
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.25 in. Transom: 0.19 in
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail28 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters105.99
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal28
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeJet Drive
Engine makenot available
Engine makeGM
Engine modelnot available
Engine model350 cid multi-port fuel injected Vortec
Exhaustnot available
ExhaustCatalyzed exhaust with KLS mufflers and intake water strainer (sand trap)
Impellernot available
ImpellerTurbo
Jet pumpnot available
Jet pumpHamilton Jet 212 axial flow with JT nozzle, split duct reverse and close coupling
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower320 hp
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailGateway 8,300 lb. capacity galvanized tandem axle bunk