When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Zodiac AX 3 2012 and the Zodiac Futura Mark II FR 2013 are inflatable non 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?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Zodiac Futura Mark II FR 2013 measures 13,4 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 4,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Zodiac AX 3 2012 at 8,5 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac Futura Mark II FR 2013 tips the scales at 165 lbs — 101 lbs less than the Zodiac AX 3 2012 at 64 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 30 hp, the Zodiac Futura Mark II FR 2013 has a 26-hp advantage over the Zodiac AX 3 2012's 4-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 Futura Mark II FR 2013 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Zodiac AX 3 2012 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Futura Mark II FR 2013 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Zodiac Futura Mark II FR 2013 comes in at 6 lbs per hp versus 16 lbs per hp for the Zodiac AX 3 2012. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Top speed is rated at 29 mph for the Zodiac Futura Mark II FR 2013 and 6 mph for the Zodiac AX 3 2012.
The Zodiac AX 3 2012 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Zodiac Futura Mark II FR 2013 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 Futura Mark II FR 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 13,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac AX 3 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.