The Zodiac 550 2009 vs Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 120 hp for the Zodiac 550 2009 and 115 hp for the Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021. 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 550 2009 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac 550 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Zodiac 550 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 18,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.