Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Zodiac 285 2009 vs Zodiac Futura Mark II FR 2013 — Which Inflatable Non Rigid Fits Your Needs?
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Zodiac 285 2009 and the Zodiac Futura Mark II FR 2013 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?
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 30 hp, the Zodiac Futura Mark II FR 2013 has a 22-hp advantage over the Zodiac 285 2009's 8-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 Futura Mark II FR 2013 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Zodiac 285 2009 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Futura Mark II FR 2013 could be the deciding factor.
The Zodiac Futura Mark II FR 2013 has a documented top speed of 29 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.
Bottom line: Choose the Zodiac Futura Mark II FR 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 13,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac 285 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model285
ModelFutura Mark II FR
Model Year2009
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Length - Feet9.33
Length - Feet13.42
Length overall - Detail9 ft. 4 in. (2.85 m)
Length overall - Detail13 ft. 5 in. (4.1 m)
Length overall - Meters2.84
Length overall - Meters4.09
Length overall - Inches112
Length overall - Inches161
Beamnot available
Beam6 ft. 6 in. (1.99 m)
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Meters1.98
Beam - Inchesnot available
Beam - Inches78
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail165 lbs. (75 kg)
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg74.84
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.165
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail2 ft. 11 in. (0.89 m) inside
Length [deck]not available
Length [deck]9 ft. 10 in. (3 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialInflatable
Hull materialInflatable
Hull typeInflatable Non Rigid
Hull typeInflatable Non Rigid
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max8 hp (6 kW)
Engine max30 hp
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower10 - 20 hp recommended
Operational Info
Maximum capacity882 lbs. (400 kg)
Maximum capacity2,205 lbs. (1,000 kg)
Maximum people4
Maximum people6
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameternot available
Tube diameter1 ft. 10 in. (0.55 m)
Performance
Maximum speednot available
Maximum speed29 mph (47 km/h)