When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the ThunderJet Denali 2011 and the ThunderJet Luxor 2011 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 Luxor 2011 tops out at 35 hp. Engine specs for the ThunderJet Denali 2011 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 48 gal and 48 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 5 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.