what is the differnce between 1996 25 active thunder and 1998 I know 1998 is called tantrum, is the bottom the same as 1996 ,thanks bob

No wood in 98 and it's a few lbs lighter not sure about the bottom

i think mostly the same except no wood.

What year did they cease using wood in the builds?

1998

Bottom is identical and so is the top deck. In 1998 AT used Mantex (high density PVC foam) for transoms, stringers & bulkheads. Cabins in both years were stick built with a small fiberglass galley/sink/storage to port. Great rough water V bottom..handles snotty water alot better than many boats that are much bigger!