Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 vs ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a modified vee ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 against a deep vee ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 500 hp for the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 and 500 hp for the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 28 ft. 2013 carries 16 gallons versus 8 gallons in the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 8 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 28 ft. 2013 at 28,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2008 at 22,0 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
ModelRio Classic
ModelTJ Offshore 28 ft
Model Year2008
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches108
Deadrise14℃
DeadriseStern: 18° Bow: 55°
Width [transom] - Detail34 in
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 90 in
Height - DetailSides: 34 in
Height - DetailSides: 42 in
Height - Meters0.86
Height - Meters1.07
Height - Inches34
Height - Inches42
Length - Feet22
Length - Feet28
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail28 ft
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inches264
Length overall - Inches336
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail5,600 lbs
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg2540.12
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.56
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]42 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness.0190 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 standard5.7 l Vortec; port fuel injected 350; 325 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
ImpellerTurbo
Impellernot available
Jet pumpHamilton 212
Jet pumpnot available
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
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max500 hp
Engine max500 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,350 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people8 / 1,900 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available
Headroomnot available
HeadroomCabin: 6 ft. 3 in