Matching a inflatable rigid Zodiac 340 R 2009 against a deep vee Zodiac Medline 500 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 — 25 hp for the Zodiac 340 R 2009 and 40 hp for the Zodiac Medline 500 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Zodiac Medline 500 2013 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Zodiac 340 R 2009 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Medline 500 2013 could be the deciding factor.

The Zodiac Medline 500 2013 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Zodiac 340 R 2009 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.