ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 vs ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 or the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013?

The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 comes in at 23,0 feet, making it roughly 5,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 is rated to a maximum of 500 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 tops out at 425 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that - matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 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.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 and ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 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.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 or the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013?

The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 has the bigger tank at 160 gallons, versus 110 gallons on the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011. That 50-gallon difference translates to roughly 150–250 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 and ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 and the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 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.

Boat Comparison

ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 vs ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013

ThunderJet

ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011

2011

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ThunderJet

ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 vs ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013: Same Brand, Different Boat

The ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 is a modified-V design and the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably 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 500 hp, the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 has a 75-hp advantage over the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011's 425-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 28 ft. 2013 carries 160 gallons versus 110 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 is rated for 8 passengers, while the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 8 passengers and at 28,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 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

ModelMaxim Classic

ModelTJ Offshore 28 ft.

Model Year2011

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam108 in.

Beam - Meters2.74

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 - Feet28

Length overall - Detail23 ft.

Length overall - Detail28 ft.

Length overall - Meters7.01

Length overall - Meters8.53

Length overall - Inches276

Length overall - Inches336

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail5,600 lbs.

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg2540.12

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.5600

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 90 in.

Body / Hull

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 - Gal110

Fuel tank capacity - Gal160

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeJet Drive

Drive typeOutboard

Horsepower425

Horsepowernot available

Engine maxnot available

Engine max500 hp

Operational Info

Headroomnot available

HeadroomCabin: 6 ft. 3 in.

ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 vs ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 or the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013?

The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 comes in at 23,0 feet, making it roughly 5,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 is rated to a maximum of 500 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 tops out at 425 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that - matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 and ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 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 2011 or the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013?

The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 has the bigger tank at 160 gallons, versus 110 gallons on the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011. That 50-gallon difference translates to roughly 150–250 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 and ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 and the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 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.

← ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 full specs ← ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 full specs