ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013 boat specs
ThunderJet
ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013
2013
View full specs →
VS
ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 boat specs
ThunderJet
ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013
2013
View full specs →

ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013 vs ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013: A Close Look at Two Modified-V Boats

Both the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013 and the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 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 Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013 at 22,0 ft versus ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 at 22,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 tips the scales at 4 200 lbs - 1 900 lbs less than the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013 at 2 300 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 Rio Classic 2013 has a 70-hp advantage over the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013's 250-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 Rio Classic 2013 carries 80 gallons versus 48 gallons in the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 and its 320-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013 with its 250-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
ModelLanding Craft DC 22 ft.
ModelRio Classic
Model Year2013
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in.
Beam102 in.
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise16°
Deadrise14°
Weight - Detail2,300 lbs.
Weight - Detail4,200 lbs.
Weight - kg1043.26
Weight - kg1905.09
Weight - lbs.2300
Weight - lbs.4200
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 90 in.
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 78 in.
Height - DetailSides: 34 in.
Height - DetailSides: 35 in.
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Inches34
Height - Inches35
Height [transom]34 in.
Height [transom]35 in.
Length - Feet22
Length - Feet22
Length overall - Detail22 ft.
Length overall - Detail22 ft.
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Inches264
Length overall - Inches264
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSides: 0.19 in. Bottom: 0.19 in. Transom: 0.25 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 - Detail48 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Fuel tank capacity - Gal80
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeJet Drive
Engine max250 hp
Engine maxnot available
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
Operational Info
Maximum capacityCargo: 1,900 lbs.
Maximum capacitynot available
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailGateway 8,300 lb. capacity galvanized tandem axle bunk

ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013 vs ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013 or the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013?
The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 is the longer of the two at 22,0 feet overall. The ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013 comes in at 22,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer - the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013 or the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013?
For trailering, the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013 has the edge at 2 300 lbs dry weight versus 4 200 lbs for the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 is rated to a maximum of 320 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013 tops out at 250 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that - matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 is certified for 6. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013 and ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 share an 102 in. beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013 or the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013?
The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 has the bigger tank at 80 gallons, versus 48 gallons on the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013. That 32-gallon difference translates to roughly 96–160 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013 and ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the ThunderJet Landing Craft DC 22 ft. 2013 and the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2013 are built by ThunderJet. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.