Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Zodiac 420 TC4 2009 vs Zodiac Cadet 260 Solid 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a inflatable rigid Zodiac 420 TC4 2009 against a inflatable non rigid Zodiac Cadet 260 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.
The Zodiac Cadet 260 Solid 2013 tops out at 6 hp. Engine specs for the Zodiac 420 TC4 2009 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Zodiac 420 TC4 2009 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Zodiac Cadet 260 Solid 2013 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac 420 TC4 2009 could be the deciding factor.
The Zodiac Cadet 260 Solid 2013 has a documented top speed of 11 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.
The Zodiac Cadet 260 Solid 2013 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Zodiac 420 TC4 2009 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 420 TC4 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 13,7 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac Cadet 260 Solid 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model420 TC4
ModelCadet 260 Solid
Model Year2009
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Length - Feet13.67
Length - Feet8.5
Length overall - Detail13 ft. 8 in. (4.2 m)
Length overall - Detail8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Length overall - Meters4.17
Length overall - Meters2.59
Length overall - Inches164
Length overall - Inches102
Beamnot available
Beam5 ft. 3 in. (1.6 m)
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Meters1.6
Beam - Inchesnot available
Beam - Inches63
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail79 lbs. (36 kg)
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg35.83
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.79
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail2 ft. 4 in. (0.7 m) inside
Length [deck]not available
Length [deck]5 ft. 8 in. (1.72 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialInflatable
Hull materialInflatable
Hull typeInflatable Rigid
Hull typeInflatable Non Rigid
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower3 - 4 hp recommended
Engine maxnot available
Engine max6 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,212 lbs. (550 kg)
Maximum capacity816 lbs. (370 kg)
Maximum people6
Maximum people3 + 1
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 speed11 mph (18 km/h)