Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Zodiac 300 2009 vs Zodiac Cadet 285 Solid 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a inflatable rigid Zodiac 300 2009 against a inflatable non rigid Zodiac Cadet 285 Solid 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 10 hp for the Zodiac 300 2009 and 8 hp for the Zodiac Cadet 285 Solid 2013. 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 4 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 Cadet 285 Solid 2013 has a documented top speed of 17 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.
The Zodiac Cadet 285 Solid 2013 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Zodiac 300 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 300 2009 and Zodiac Cadet 285 Solid 2013 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
Model3
ModelCadet 285 Solid
Model Year2009
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Length - Feet9.83
Length - Feet9.33
Length overall - Detail9 ft. 10 in. (3 m)
Length overall - Detail9 ft. 4 in. (2.85 m)
Length overall - Meters3
Length overall - Meters2.84
Length overall - Inches118
Length overall - Inches112
Beamnot available
Beam5 ft. 3 in. (1.6 m)
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Meters1.6
Beam - Inchesnot available
Beam - Inches63
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail86 lbs. (39 kg)
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg39.01
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.86
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail2 ft. 4 in. (0.7 m) inside
Length [deck]not available
Length [deck]6 ft. 5 in. (1.95 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialRigid inflatable
Hull materialInflatable
Hull typeInflatable Rigid
Hull typeInflatable Non Rigid
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max10 hp (8 kW)
Engine max8 hp
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower4 - 6 hp recommended
Operational Info
Maximum capacity992 lbs. (450 kg)
Maximum capacity882 lbs. (400 kg)
Maximum people4
Maximum people4
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameternot available
Tube diameter1 ft. 6 in. (0.45 m)
Number of tubesnot available
Number of tubes2 + 1 airtight compartments
Performance
Maximum speednot available
Maximum speed17 mph (28 km/h)