Thoughts on the Thunderjet Luxor?

24215 Views 14 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Hunter P, Jan 17, 2008

rogue fanatic

Discussion Starter · Jan 13, 2008

Hello folks

I am in a position to begin looking for my new (used) boat and I thoought I would see what some of your experiences have been with the Luxor. I'm looking primarily for a saltwater boat (MA 9,10 and 11) and I like the NR Seahawk but I see a lot more Luxors for sale and the deals seem to be better. I suppose that fact may be telling. I know some guys who like T-jets on the Columbia but I'm curious if anyone has some experience with these in the salt over the years. I'm looking at a 20' with a 140 Suzuki on a bracket.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

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Hunter P

· #2 · Jan 13, 2008

rogue fanatic said:
Hello folks

I am in a position to begin looking for my new (used) boat and I thoought I would see what some of your experiences have been with the Luxor. I'm looking primarily for a saltwater boat (MA 9,10 and 11) and I like the NR Seahawk but I see a lot more Luxors for sale and the deals seem to be better. I suppose that fact may be telling. I know some guys who like T-jets on the Columbia but I'm curious if anyone has some experience with these in the salt over the years. I'm looking at a 20' with a 140 Suzuki on a bracket.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I looked at Tjets before I bought my Seahawk,and unless things have changed,they don't have much deadrise and look like they won't ride worth a darn in the chop. IIRC the Luxor has something like 12* of deadrise from front to back. My Seahawk has 29* of entry and 14* at the transom. My boat rides pretty well in nasty water. The Luxor won't cut the chop nearly as well as a Seahawk.

12* of deadrise is more what I'd want in a shallow water type boat.

elronp

· #3 · Jan 13, 2008

we own a tj alexis, older one, and i still think its a great all around boat. However, in the salt in any kind of a chop I always wish I was driving something else. If I bought a boat today it would be a north river.

rogue fanatic

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jan 14, 2008

Thanks a lot fellas. Ain't that always the way? Usually, you already know what the right answer is but you see a way to save some dollars and it gets you to thinking.

Those Seahawks are awfully nice boats. I cannot recall ever having heard of someone complain about theirs.

Chasin' Tail

· #5 · Jan 14, 2008

Hunter P... Since you've never been on a TJ how can you comment on it riding like crap??? You dont even know what the deadrise is... Rogue is asking for information from people who actually have experience with one.

Ive had one since the end of 2003

the 20' Luxor has 16 degree deadrise. I own that exact boat. It, like most alum boats is not ideal for nasty white caps.
I have suspension seats on mine, and it really makes it nice. I would recommend getting them if the boat doesnt have them.

Mine has seen everything from lakes, the Big C, Puget Sound to 50+ miles offshore for tuna. Its a great all around boat, and has a lot of room and storage..

None of the Aluminum boats of this style have what one would call a great ride in the chop. The Helm is very far forward which makes the operators feel the pounding. Sit in the stern and its a completely different feeling. They are also light, which also makes them pound.
If you want a good boat for chop, get a glass boat.. Any small Alum boat will pound in comparison

No complaints about the 140 suzuki either. They are very efficient and reliable...

Not sure how soon you are wanting to buy, or what you are looking to spend, But I Might be selling mine here in a month or two, as Im looking to upsize to a 24' boat more suited for offshore use.. I plan on getting serious about Tuna this summer, and My boat is a little too small to load it down with tuna...(although ive has as many as 23 tuna on it on one trip) And over 120 tuna met their maker on it this past summer.

I'd recommend taking any used boat on a test ride and do a comparison of what you like. Ive been on a few different aluminum boats and they all handle pretty similarly. Do some internet searches on the boats you like Try the I Fish website .. some good threads have been on there). Some boats of a certain manufacturer had lots of issues with cracking Offshore brackets, which they had to repair/replace in many cases so do your homework (And the brand with the issues isnt a TJ... enuf said :lol: )

Get feedback from people who actually have the boat you are looking at or some experince with it. Because if you dont it will become something like asking what 4 stroke motor is the best.. everyone always says the best is what they have, yami, zuki, E-Tec...

So to answer your question about would it be a good boat for MA 9, 10, 11.. I say yes a TJ would!! If you are looking for an ideal Salt boat where 100% of your time is on the salt, in all reality, a glass boat would probrably be a better choice

Rogue, if you have any specific questions and want Honest and Knowledgable answers about a Luxor PM me and I'll give ya honest feedback.

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mics

· #6 · Jan 14, 2008

i think you need to define what your fishery is going to be.oly has alot of good points about boats in general and with his luxor..with my weld,i also run from neah bay, to tacoma with that boat and also throw a trip to bamfield every year.plus if i want to run the rivers i can . the boat also sees alot of lake chelan. pullin inner tubes and such. so i guess the point i like to get across ,would be, one boat isnt going to do it all.but if your not planning on going far out ocean fishin,than any of the 18-24 ft aluminum will more than likely do what it is your looking to do.i crap,i shrimp, i fish. all the areas. if i want to go out far, then i do a charter,save the boat for another trip.if your going to be doing nothing but salt and going out far ,then maybe a diffruant boat would be better for you. maybe get a used boat,use it for awhile , and it will help define what it is your lookin for. then go back and buy again.the good thing is aluminum boats hold there value. so you can always resell. hey what ever you do,good luck and hope to see you on the water.when you figure it all out show us your boat. mic

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netboy

· #7 · Jan 14, 2008

I think Oly is the guy for info about how a TJ rides in the salt. I will say that I have a 21' Thundjet with 454 and Hamilton pump. It is a sled and is 10degree. It rides decent in the salt, but it really isn't designed for that. The one thing that I will say about our ThunderJet is that it is built really well! We bought it new in 2000 and it has held up very well. They are built as well or better than other Allum. boats out there. I plan to hold onto mine and I'm not currently in the market for a new boat, but if I were, I would consider a ThunderJet again. The only draw back I have found is that they don't have local sales and service in my area. Good luck with you purchase.

Chasin' Tail

· #8 · Jan 14, 2008

i also got to point out that Elronp and Netboy both have Inboard Jets on their boats. Both would have less deadrise and less control and stability and a much harsher ride in an ocean/salty environment when compared to a Luxor with a outboard and Bracket.

rogue fanatic

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jan 14, 2008

Check this one out from Boat Trader, sure sounds like a good deal to me but you never know until you look at it I suppose.
YEAR 2007
LENGTH FEET 20
MAKE THUNDERJET
MODEL 20' LUXOR

PRICE $22,000.00
LOCATION Ridgefield, WA
CONTACT NUMBER (503) 320-3116
DESCRIPTION
2007 THUNDERJET 20' LUXOR 20', THUNDERJET LUXOR, outboard 140HP Suz 4 STK 9.9 kik suspension seats PAS wiper GPS, depth, 50 gal tank, dual axle Tricker w/brakes, PFDs, only 20 hrs, no time to use, like brand new but 7000 less! Asking $22000. 503-320-3116

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netboy

· #10 · Jan 15, 2008

Olybirds said:
i also got to point out that Elronp and Netboy both have Inboard Jets on their boats. Both would have less deadrise and less control and stability and a much harsher ride in an ocean/salty environment when compared to a Luxor with a outboard and Bracket.

Yeah, I tried to make that clear in my post. Our sled is not designed for long runs in the chop. I just wanted to point out that I have been very happy with the way it's put together. In my opinion ThunderJet makes a very strong boat.

Chasin' Tail

· #11 · Jan 15, 2008

Thats a SMOKING DEAL on a Luxor.

Just make Sure it has the 6' Floor upgrade.

I just was at the Portland Boatshow and a 08' Luxor with a 135 Honda was $29,995...

So for 22k, with all the extras thats almost stealing that guys boat.

rogue fanatic

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jan 15, 2008

Thanks a lot for the info Oly. That sure looked like a hard to beat price as long as it hasn't been run over a gravel bar. And a BIG thanks for the bracket info. No need to start a flame war but I swear, I have NEVER heard of those kinds of problems before on any other forum. And I was especially surprised at how those guys didn't seem to think that was a big deal! I drop $75K on a new boat and I have those sorts of quality problems and someone's gonna hear from me.

Radiator

· #13 · Jan 17, 2008

The Tjet Luxor is a great boat for the money. It will bounce in the chop and the wind can play havoc with you while drifting or trolling because it is so light compared to glass. As long as you're prepared for that type of stuff you'll be just fine. I've ridden in one and dang near bought one myself last spring. My only problem with them was the closest dealership to Olympia was down in portland since auburn closed down "supposedly."

Chasin' Tail

· #14 · Jan 17, 2008

Radiator-- yup they stopped selling them at Aub Sports. Probrably because they had them priced about $4-6k more than they were priced in Portland. So they changed lines of Alum Boats. Portland isnt that far to drive, Plus I doubt there's a whole lot of "service" the boat will need. Generally any issues would be with the motor, which any yamaha, zuki, merc dealer could do for ya.

On most of the actual "boat" issues ive seen with any of the Alum manufacturers, they make you haul the boat back to the manufacturer for the warranty work, which in most cases is in eastern WA or Oregon..

4 years and 200+ hours of water time, and no issues for me thus far, either with the Motors or the boat.
Wish i could say that for the trailer... I just re-did both axles with brand new bearings and brakes.. That salt water sure is hard on brakes...

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Hunter P

· #15 · Jan 17, 2008

Olybirds said:
4 years and 200+ hours of water time, and no issues for me thus far, either with the Motors or the boat.
Wish i could say that for the trailer... I just re-did both axles with brand new bearings and brakes.. That salt water sure is hard on brakes...

I'm about to tear into mine. I have one wheel that on the last trip from the salt,started locking up occasionally. I was going to fix it,but said the hell with it and am going to SS discs.

Even a thorough flushing with freshwater after every trip isn't enough I guess. To replace the drum brakes with another set of drums,was going to be $300. The Discs are 2x that,but should be alot more salt friendly.

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