Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2009 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 2009 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 2009 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 8 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 2009 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 2009 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
ModelRio Classic
Model Year2009
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches108
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise12° Entry: 40°
Deadrise14℃
Weight - Detail4,500 lbs
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg2041.16
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.45
Weight - lbs.not available
Width [transom] - Detail84 in
Width [transom] - Detail34 in
Height [transom]35 in
Height [transom]not available
Length - Feet23
Length - Feet22
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Inches276
Length overall - Inches264
Height - Detailnot available
Height - DetailSides: 34 in
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches34
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thickness.0190 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeJet Drive
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard5.7 l Vortec; port fuel injected 350; 325 hp
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