Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 vs ThunderJet TJ Offshore 26 ft. 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a modified vee ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 against a deep vee ThunderJet TJ Offshore 26 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 425 hp, the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 has a 75-hp advantage over the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 26 ft. 2013's 350-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 26 ft. 2013 carries 16 gallons versus 11 gallons in the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011. 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 26 ft. 2013 at 26,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 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 26 ft
Model Year2011
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches108
Beam - Inches108
Deadrise12°
DeadriseStern: 18° Bow: 55°
Height - DetailSides: 35 in
Height - DetailSides: 42 in
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Meters1.07
Height - Inches35
Height - Inches42
Height [transom]35 in
Height [transom]42 in
Length - Feet23
Length - Feet26
Length overall - Detail23 ft
Length overall - Detail26 ft
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Meters7.92
Length overall - Inches276
Length overall - Inches312
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail4,800 lbs
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg2177.24
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.48
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 90 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.190 in. Transom: 0.190 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 pfi
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail110 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail160 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters416.4
Fuel tank capacity - Liters605.67
Fuel tank capacity - Gal11
Fuel tank capacity - Gal16
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeOutboard
Horsepower425
Horsepowernot available
Engine maxnot available
Engine max350 hp
Operational Info
Headroomnot available
HeadroomCabin: 6 ft. 3 in