Matching a inflatable non rigid Zodiac 265 Aero 2012 against a inflatable rigid Zodiac Cadet RIB 310 2011 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Zodiac 265 Aero 2012 at 8,7 ft versus Zodiac Cadet RIB 310 2011 at 10,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac Cadet RIB 310 2011 tips the scales at 143 lbs — 137 lbs less than the Zodiac 265 Aero 2012 at 6 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 6 hp for the Zodiac 265 Aero 2012 and 15 hp for the Zodiac Cadet RIB 310 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Zodiac Cadet RIB 310 2011 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Zodiac 265 Aero 2012 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Cadet RIB 310 2011 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Zodiac 265 Aero 2012 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 10 lbs per hp for the Zodiac Cadet RIB 310 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.
Top speed is rated at 24 mph for the Zodiac Cadet RIB 310 2011 and 12 mph for the Zodiac 265 Aero 2012.
The Zodiac 265 Aero 2012 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Zodiac Cadet RIB 310 2011 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: Choose the Zodiac Cadet RIB 310 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 4 passengers and at 10,2 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac 265 Aero 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.