Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Zodiac 850 2009 vs Zodiac Classic Mark I ALU 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a inflatable rigid Zodiac 850 2009 against a inflatable non rigid Zodiac Classic Mark I ALU 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 350 hp, the Zodiac 850 2009 has a 325-hp advantage over the Zodiac Classic Mark I ALU 2013's 25-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Zodiac 850 2009 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Zodiac Classic Mark I ALU 2013 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac 850 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Zodiac 850 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 15 passengers and at 27,9 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac Classic Mark I ALU 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model85
ModelClassic Mark I ALU
Model Year2009
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Length - Feet27.92
Length - Feet11.5
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 11 in. (8.5 m)
Length overall - Detail11 ft. 6 in. (3.5 m)
Length overall - Meters8.51
Length overall - Meters3.51
Length overall - Inches335
Length overall - Inches138
Beamnot available
Beam5 ft. 3 in. (1.61 m)
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Meters1.6
Beam - Inchesnot available
Beam - Inches63
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail141 lbs. (64 kg)
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg63.96
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.141
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail2 ft. 6 in. (0.77 m) inside
Length [deck]not available
Length [deck]7 ft. 7 in. (2.3 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialInflatable
Hull materialInflatable
Hull typeInflatable Rigid
Hull typeInflatable Non Rigid
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max350 hp (262 kW)
Engine max25 hp
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower6 - 20 hp recommended
Operational Info
Maximum capacity4,696 lbs. (2,130 kg)
Maximum capacity1,301 lbs. (590 kg)
Maximum people15
Maximum people5
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameternot available
Tube diameter1 ft. 5 in. (0.42 m)
Performance
Maximum speednot available
Maximum speed28 mph (45 km/h)