One other consideration w/ the TJ's vs most other manufacturers is that their extended transoms are a motor bracket welded off the back of the actual transom as compared to an extension of the bottom of the boat in a continuous piece w/ the pod as many other manufacturers do, including SS. As a result an 18' SS will have a 20' bottom while an 18' TJ will be 18'.
Both are amazing boats and will last a lifetime. Most of us have to accept trade offs when purchasing so key is to spend time in each boat and consider the features that mean the most to you and your family/ crew. Only you can determine what tradeoffs or shortcomings you can live with and what specs/features you can't do without.
Last thing, go w/ 115hp or more for an 18+ ft aluminum. I have the Yammy f115 on my 180ET Searunner and it strikes a great performance/fuel economy balance. 150hp would not be too much power for my boat but 90hp would be significantly underpowered.
Cheers!
Ukee
Thunderjet
Cons
Plywood covered vinyl flooring will rot in about 10-15 years and have to be replaced
Some models have Carpeted gunnels - hold fish blood and dirt
Silver streak
Pros
All aluminum construction - no plywood or vinyl in their boats
no carpet to keep clean
Paint as little as possible. Once you scratch it you will thank me.
Does anyone else think some of the Thunderjets look kinda cheesy with the all the weird paint colours and checkerplate?
Hewescrafts also have this. Dealer said it's because of the weight savings and that aluminum floors sag over time unless you go thicker which then makes it more heavy. My floor isn't rotten but the vinyl eventually tears from scuffing and looks like ****. My floor fishbox also is screwed into the plywood and had completely reamed out the holes so the box just lifts out if you pull up. I'm due for new floors and will move to all aluminum for sure.Wow, didn't know that TJ's have vinyl covered plywood floors! I would not buy one because of this. Why would you buy an aluminum boat for its durability and low maintenance that has a wood floor that will rot out and need to be replaced?
The pod being a part of the bottom is a big reason I am leaning to the SS.
Sounds like a nice combo , any pics yet ?Well today I bought my new Silver Streak 18ft Carmanah with a 115 Yamaha. I"m sure I made the best choice thanks everyone for the advice. All I have left to decide is if I want the nylic on the hull.
ThunderJet has a lifetime warranty on their vinyl covered plywood floors.Wow, didn't know that TJ's have vinyl covered plywood floors! I would not buy one because of this. Why would you buy an aluminum boat for its durability and low maintenance that has a wood floor that will rot out and need to be replaced?
Ugh. Old thread alertThunderJet has a lifetime warranty on their vinyl covered plywood floors.