Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
ThunderJet Rio Classic 2011 vs ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2008: Which Modified-V Boat Fits Your Needs?
Both the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2011 and the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2008 are modified-V designs, both built in aluminium, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
The ThunderJet Rio Classic 2011 carries a rated maximum of 425 hp. Engine data for the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2008 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the ThunderJet Rio Classic 2011 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the ThunderJet TJ Offshore 2008 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 Rio Classic 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeThunderJet
MakeThunderJet
ModelRio Classic
ModelTJ Offshore
Model Year2011
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches108
Deadrise12 or 14°
Deadrisenot available
Weight - Detail3,500 lbs.
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg1587.57
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.3500
Weight - lbs.not available
Height - DetailSides: 35 in.
Height - DetailSides: 42 in.
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Meters1.07
Height - Inches35
Height - Inches42
Height [transom]35 in.
Height [transom]not available
Length - Feet22
Length - Feet28
Length overall - Detail22 ft.
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in.
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inches264
Length overall - Inches336
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail25 in.
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessSides: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.250 in. Transom: 0.190 in.
Hull thickness0.250 in.
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard5.7 l Vortec, Port Fuel Injected 350
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal80
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeOutboard - Twin
Horsepower425
Horsepowernot available