When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Nautica RIB 40 Express 2011 and the Nautica RIB 42 Express Outboard 2011 are inflatable rigid designs with fiberglass construction — 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?
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 370 hp for the Nautica RIB 40 Express 2011 and 370 hp for the Nautica RIB 42 Express Outboard 2011. 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.
Both boats are rated for 12 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: The Nautica RIB 42 Express Outboard 2011 at 42,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Nautica RIB 40 Express 2011 at 4,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.