Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 23 ft. 2008 vs ThunderJet Rio Classic 2012 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 23 ft. 2008 and the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2012 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 2012 tops out at 32 hp. Engine specs for the ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 23 ft. 2008 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 11 gal and 8 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 23 ft. 2008 is rated for 7 passengers, while the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2012 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 23 ft. 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 23 ft. 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
ModelMaxim Classic Outboard - 23 ft
ModelRio Classic
Model Year2008
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches102
Width [transom] - Detail34 in
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 78 in
Height - DetailSides: 34 in
Height - DetailSides: 35 in
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Inches34
Height - Inches35
Length - Feet23
Length - Feet22
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail22 ft
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Inches276
Length overall - Inches264
Deadrisenot available
Deadrise14°
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail4,200 lbs
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg1905.09
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.42
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]35 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.190 in
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.250 in. Transom: 0.190 in
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardSuzuki
Engine/s standard350 cid multi port fuel injected GM Vortec closed cooling system
Fuel tank capacity - Detail110 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters416.4
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal11
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeJet Drive
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
Horsepower32
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailGateway 8,300 lbs. capacity galvanized tandem axle bunk