Matching a inflatable non rigid Mercury 240 Sport 2008 against a inflatable rigid Mercury 300 Ocean Runner Hypalon 2012 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Mercury 240 Sport 2008 at 7,0 ft versus Mercury 300 Ocean Runner Hypalon 2012 at 9,5 ft. At 92 lbs and 137 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 6 hp for the Mercury 240 Sport 2008 and 10 hp for the Mercury 300 Ocean Runner Hypalon 2012. 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Mercury 300 Ocean Runner Hypalon 2012 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Mercury 240 Sport 2008 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Mercury 300 Ocean Runner Hypalon 2012 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Mercury 300 Ocean Runner Hypalon 2012 comes in at 14 lbs per hp versus 15 lbs per hp for the Mercury 240 Sport 2008. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.