ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 24 ft. 2008 boat specs
ThunderJet
ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 24 ft. 2008
2008
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VS
ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 boat specs
ThunderJet
ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008
2008
View full specs →

ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 24 ft. 2008 vs ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 24 ft. 2008 and the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 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 2008 tops out at 500 hp. Engine specs for the ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 24 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 Rio Classic 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 24 ft. 2008 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 24 ft. 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
ModelMaxim Classic Outboard - 24 ft
ModelRio Classic
Model Year2008
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam96 in
Beam102 in
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches102
Width [transom] - Detail34 in
Width [transom] - Detail34 in
Height - DetailSides: 34 in
Height - DetailSides: 34 in
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Inches34
Height - Inches34
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet22
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters7.32
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Inches288
Length overall - Inches264
Deadrisenot available
Deadrise14℃
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.190 in
Hull thickness.0190 in
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardSuzuki
Engine/s standard5.7 l Vortec; port fuel injected 350; 325 hp
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
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeJet Drive
Impellernot available
ImpellerTurbo
Jet pumpnot available
Jet pumpHamilton 212
Engine maxnot available
Engine max500 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity2,350 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people8 / 1,900 lbs

ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 24 ft. 2008 vs ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 24 ft. 2008 or the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008?
The ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 24 ft. 2008 is the longer of the two at 24,0 feet overall. The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 comes in at 22,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 has a documented max rating of 500 hp. Engine specifications for the ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 24 ft. 2008 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 24 ft. 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 24 ft. 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 24 ft. 2008 or the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008?
The ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 24 ft. 2008 has the bigger tank at 11 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008. That 3-gallon difference translates to roughly 9–15 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 24 ft. 2008 and ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the ThunderJet Maxim Classic Outboard - 24 ft. 2008 and the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 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.