ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 vs ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 or the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013?

The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 comes in at 23,0 feet, making it roughly 5,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 is rated to a maximum of 525 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 tops out at 500 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 10 passengers, while the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 is certified for 8. 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.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 and ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 share an 108 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.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 or the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013?

The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 has the bigger tank at 16 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008. That 8-gallon difference translates to roughly 24–40 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 and ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 and the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 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.

Boat Comparison

ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 vs ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013

ThunderJet

ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008

2008

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ThunderJet

ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 vs ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 against a deep vee ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 525 hp, the ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 has a 25-hp advantage over the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013's 500-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 TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 carries 16 gallons versus 8 gallons in the ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008. 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 Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 is rated for 10 passengers, while the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 10 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeThunderJet

ModelMaxim Classic - 23 ft

ModelTJ Offshore 28 ft

Model Year2008

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam108 in

Beam - Meters2.74

Beam - Inches108

Width [transom] - Detail35 in

Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 90 in

Height - DetailSides: 35 in

Height - DetailSides: 42 in

Height - Meters0.89

Height - Meters1.07

Height - Inches35

Height - Inches42

Length - Feet23

Length - Feet28

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detail28 ft

Length overall - Meters7.01

Length overall - Meters8.53

Length overall - Inches276

Length overall - Inches336

Deadrisenot available

DeadriseStern: 18° Bow: 55°

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail5,600 lbs

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg2540.12

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.56

Height [transom]not available

Height [transom]42 in

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thickness0.250 in

Hull thicknessSides: 0.16 in. Bottom: 0.25 in. Transom: 0.25 in

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard496 port fuel injected; 375 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

ImpellerTurbo

Impellernot available

Jet pumpHamilton 212

Jet pumpnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail160 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Liters605.67

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel tank capacity - Gal16

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeJet Drive

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max525 hp

Engine max500 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity3,970 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people10 / 2,500 lbs

Maximum peoplenot available

Headroomnot available

HeadroomCabin: 6 ft. 3 in

ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 vs ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 or the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013?

The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 comes in at 23,0 feet, making it roughly 5,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 is rated to a maximum of 525 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 tops out at 500 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 Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 10 passengers, while the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 is certified for 8. 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 Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 and ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 share an 108 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 Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 or the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013?

The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 has the bigger tank at 16 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008. That 8-gallon difference translates to roughly 24–40 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 and ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 and the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 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.

← ThunderJet Maxim Classic - 23 ft. 2008 full specs ← ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 full specs