Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet Denali 2011 vs ThunderJet Rio Classic 2010 — Which Modified Vee Fits Your Needs?
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the ThunderJet Denali 2011 and the ThunderJet Rio Classic 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?
The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2010 tops out at 325 hp. Engine specs for the ThunderJet Denali 2011 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the ThunderJet Denali 2011 carries 48 gallons versus 8 gallons in the ThunderJet Rio Classic 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 Rio Classic 2010 is rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet Denali 2011 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2010 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2010 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 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
ModelDenali
ModelRio Classic
Model Year2011
Model Year201
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches9
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise6°
Deadrise14°
Height - DetailSides: 25 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters0.64
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches25
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]25 in
Height [transom]34 in
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet22
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches264
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail4,000 lbs
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg1814.37
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.4
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail6 ft. 5 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.190 in. Transom: 0.190 in
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard200 hp Mercury Optimax Sport Jet
Engine/s standard5.7 l Vortec
Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeInboard
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower325