ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2012 boat specs
ThunderJet
ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2012
2012
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VS
ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 boat specs
ThunderJet
ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012
2012
View full specs →

ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2012 vs ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2012 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 2012 at 23,0 ft versus ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 at 26,0 ft. At 46 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 350 hp, the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 has a 346-hp advantage over the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2012's 4-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 2012 carries 16 gallons versus 11 gallons in the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2012. 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 2012 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 Year2012
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam108 in
Beam108 in
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches108
Beam - Inches108
Deadrise12°
DeadriseStern: 18° Bow: 55°
Weight - Detail4,600 lbs
Weight - Detail4,800 lbs
Weight - kg2086.52
Weight - kg2177.24
Weight - lbs.46
Weight - lbs.48
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 84 in
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 90 in
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
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.250 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 standard6.2 l LS3 with closed cooling system
Engine/s standardnot available
ImpellerTurbo
Impellernot available
Jet pumpHamilton Jet 212 axial flow with JT nozzle, split duct reverse and close coupling
Jet pumpnot 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
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeOutboard
Horsepower4
Horsepowernot available
Engine maxnot available
Engine max350 hp
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGateway 8,300 lbs. capacity galvanized tandem axle bunk
Trailer - Detailnot available

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

Which is the larger boat — the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2012 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 2012 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 2012 or the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012?
For trailering, the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2012 has the edge at 46 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.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 is rated to a maximum of 350 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2012 tops out at 4 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 2012 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 2012 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 2012 or the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012?
The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 has the bigger tank at 16 gallons, versus 11 gallons on the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2012. That 5-gallon difference translates to roughly 15–25 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2012 and ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2012 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the ThunderJet Maxim Classic 2012 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.