When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Zodiac 15 Man 2009 and the Zodiac 850 2009 are inflatable rigid designs with inflatable 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?
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 350 hp, the Zodiac 850 2009 has a 200-hp advantage over the Zodiac 15 Man 2009's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 15 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 Zodiac 850 2009 at 27,9 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Zodiac 15 Man 2009 at 20,7 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.