When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Zodiac 235 Aero 2012 and the Zodiac 310 2009 are inflatable non 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?
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 3 hp for the Zodiac 235 Aero 2012 and 8 hp for the Zodiac 310 2009. 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 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.
The Zodiac 235 Aero 2012 has a documented top speed of 8 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.
The Zodiac 235 Aero 2012 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Zodiac 310 2009 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: The Zodiac 310 2009 at 10,2 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Zodiac 235 Aero 2012 at 7,8 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.