Matching a inflatable non rigid Zodiac 265 Aero 2012 against a deep vee Zodiac N-ZO 600 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 Zodiac N-ZO 600 2013 measures 19,7 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 11,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Zodiac 265 Aero 2012 at 8,7 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac N-ZO 600 2013 tips the scales at 205 lbs — 199 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the Zodiac N-ZO 600 2013 has a 144-hp advantage over the Zodiac 265 Aero 2012's 6-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Zodiac N-ZO 600 2013 is rated for 12 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 N-ZO 600 2013 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 1 lbs per hp for the Zodiac N-ZO 600 2013. 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 Zodiac 265 Aero 2012 has a documented top speed of 12 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.
Both are inflatable designs, which means they pack down for compact storage, can be carried in a bag, and are dramatically lighter than equivalent rigid hulls. The trade-off is setup time and the need to monitor tube pressure regularly. Tube diameter differs: 1 ft. 4 in. (0.4 m) on the Zodiac 265 Aero 2012 vs 2 ft. (0.6 m) on the Zodiac N-ZO 600 2013 — larger tubes generally mean more buoyancy and a drier, more stable ride.
Bottom line: Choose the Zodiac N-ZO 600 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 19,7 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.