Matching a inflatable non rigid Mercury 310 Air Deck PVC 2011 against a inflatable rigid Mercury DR750 2008 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Mercury DR750 2008 measures 24,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 13,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Mercury 310 Air Deck PVC 2011 at 10,2 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Mercury DR750 2008 tips the scales at 1 704 lbs — 1 612 lbs less than the Mercury 310 Air Deck PVC 2011 at 92 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the Mercury DR750 2008 has a 285-hp advantage over the Mercury 310 Air Deck PVC 2011's 15-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Mercury DR750 2008 is rated for 22 passengers, while the Mercury 310 Air Deck PVC 2011 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Mercury DR750 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Mercury DR750 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 22 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Mercury 310 Air Deck PVC 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.