Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Zodiac 420 TC4 2009 vs Zodiac Cadet RIB 290 NEO 2013 — Which Inflatable Rigid Fits Your Needs?
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Zodiac 420 TC4 2009 and the Zodiac Cadet RIB 290 NEO 2013 are inflatable 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 Zodiac Cadet RIB 290 NEO 2013 tops out at 15 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 RIB 290 NEO 2013 caps at 4. 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 RIB 290 NEO 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 RIB 290 NEO 2013 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
Model420 TC4
ModelCadet RIB 290 NEO
Model Year2009
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Length - Feet13.67
Length - Feet9.5
Length overall - Detail13 ft. 8 in. (4.2 m)
Length overall - Detail9 ft. 6 in. (2.9 m)
Length overall - Meters4.17
Length overall - Meters2.9
Length overall - Inches164
Length overall - Inches114
Beamnot available
Beam5 ft. 1 in. (1.56 m)
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Meters1.55
Beam - Inchesnot available
Beam - Inches61
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. 4 in. (0.7 m) inside
Length [deck]not available
Length [deck]6 ft. 5 in. (1.95 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialInflatable
Hull materialInflatable
Hull typeInflatable Rigid
Hull typeInflatable Rigid
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower6 - 10 hp recommended
Engine maxnot available
Engine max15 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,212 lbs. (550 kg)
Maximum capacity992 lbs. (450 kg)
Maximum people6
Maximum people4
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameternot available
Tube diameter1 ft. 5 in. (0.42 m)
Number of tubesnot available
Number of tubes3 airtight compartments