ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 boat specs
ThunderJet
ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011
2011
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VS
ThunderJet V162-Eco 2012 boat specs
ThunderJet
ThunderJet V162-Eco 2012
2012
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ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 vs ThunderJet V162-Eco 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 against a deep vee ThunderJet V162-Eco 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 has a 335-hp advantage over the ThunderJet V162-Eco 2012's 90-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 V162-Eco 2012 carries 32 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 is rated for 7 passengers, while the ThunderJet V162-Eco 2012 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The ThunderJet V162-Eco 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
ModelMaxim Classic
ModelV162-Eco
Model Year2011
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam108 in
Beam86 in
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Meters2.18
Beam - Inches108
Beam - Inches86
Deadrise12°
Deadrise12&#176
Height - DetailSides: 35 in
Height - DetailSides: 31 in
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Meters0.79
Height - Inches35
Height - Inches31
Height [transom]35 in
Height [transom]20 in
Length - Feet23
Length - Feet16.17
Length overall - Detail23 ft
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Meters4.93
Length overall - Inches276
Length overall - Inches194
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail1,070 lbs
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg485.34
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.107
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 66 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.190 in. Transom: 0.190 in
Hull thicknessSide: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.16 in. Transom: 0.16 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 - Detail32 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters416.4
Fuel tank capacity - Liters121.13
Fuel tank capacity - Gal11
Fuel tank capacity - Gal32
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeOutboard
Horsepower425
Horsepowernot available
Engine maxnot available
Engine max90 hp
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailGateway 2,600 lbs. capacity galvanized single axle

ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 vs ThunderJet V162-Eco 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 or the ThunderJet V162-Eco 2012?
The ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The ThunderJet V162-Eco 2012 comes in at 16,2 feet, making it roughly 6,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The ThunderJet V162-Eco 2012 tops out at 90 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 V162-Eco 2012 is certified for 4. 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 Maxim Classic 2011 measures 108" wide, compared to 86" for the ThunderJet V162-Eco 2012. 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 2011 or the ThunderJet V162-Eco 2012?
The ThunderJet V162-Eco 2012 has the bigger tank at 32 gallons, versus 11 gallons on the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011. That 21-gallon difference translates to roughly 63–105 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 and ThunderJet V162-Eco 2012 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2011 and the ThunderJet V162-Eco 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.