Matching a inflatable rigid Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 against a inflatable non rigid Walker Bay Panel Floor 2013 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 Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 measures 12,8 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Walker Bay Panel Floor 2013 at 8,8 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 tips the scales at 571 lbs — 496 lbs more than the Walker Bay Panel Floor 2013 at 75 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 50 hp, the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 has a 42-hp advantage over the Walker Bay Panel Floor 2013's 8-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 3 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.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Walker Bay Panel Floor 2013 comes in at 9 lbs per hp versus 11 lbs per hp for the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011. 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.
The Walker Bay Panel Floor 2013 has a documented top speed of 14 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.
Bottom line: The Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 at 12,8 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Walker Bay Panel Floor 2013 at 8,8 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.