Both the Nautica RIB 33 X Series 2011 and the Nautica RIB 42 Express Outboard 2011 are rigid inflatable designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 600 hp, the Nautica RIB 33 X Series 2011 has a 230-hp advantage over the Nautica RIB 42 Express Outboard 2011's 370-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 Nautica RIB 33 X Series 2011 is rated for 30 passengers, while the Nautica RIB 42 Express Outboard 2011 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Nautica RIB 33 X Series 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Nautica RIB 33 X Series 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 30 passengers and at 33,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Nautica RIB 42 Express Outboard 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.