ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2009 boat specs
ThunderJet
ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2009
2009
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VS
ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 boat specs
ThunderJet
ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012
2012
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ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2009 vs ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2009 against a deep vee ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2009 at 23,0 ft versus ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 at 26,0 ft. At 45 lbs and 48 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 tops out at 350 hp. Engine specs for the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2009 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 carries 16 gallons versus 8 gallons in the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 7 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: The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 at 26,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2009 at 23,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
ModelMaxim Classic
ModelTJ Offshore
Model Year2009
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam108 in
Beam108 in
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches108
Beam - Inches108
Deadrise12° Entry: 40°
DeadriseStern: 18° Bow: 55°
Weight - Detail4,500 lbs
Weight - Detail4,800 lbs
Weight - kg2041.16
Weight - kg2177.24
Weight - lbs.45
Weight - lbs.48
Width [transom] - Detail84 in
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 90 in
Height [transom]35 in
Height [transom]42 in
Length - Feet23
Length - Feet26
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail26 ft
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Meters7.92
Length overall - Inches276
Length overall - Inches312
Height - Detailnot available
Height - DetailSides: 42 in
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters1.07
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches42
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thicknessSides: 0.16 in. Bottom: 0.25 in. Transom: 0.25 in
Engine and Drivetrain
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
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine maxnot available
Engine max350 hp

ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2009 vs ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2009 or the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012?
The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2009 comes in at 23,0 feet, making it roughly 3,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2009 or the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012?
For trailering, the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2009 has the edge at 45 lbs dry weight versus 48 lbs for the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012. 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.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 has a documented max rating of 350 hp. Engine specifications for the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2009 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 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 is certified for 7. 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 2009 and ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 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 2009 or the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012?
The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 has the bigger tank at 16 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2009. 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 2009 and ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2009 and the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 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.