Matching a modified vee Zodiac Bayrunner 550 2013 against a inflatable rigid Zodiac Commando C5 2012 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Zodiac Bayrunner 550 2013 at 18,1 ft versus Zodiac Commando C5 2012 at 15,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac Bayrunner 550 2013 tips the scales at 694 lbs — 412 lbs more than the Zodiac Commando C5 2012 at 282 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 40 hp for the Zodiac Bayrunner 550 2013 and 60 hp for the Zodiac Commando C5 2012. 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 Bayrunner 550 2013 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Zodiac Commando C5 2012 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Bayrunner 550 2013 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Zodiac Commando C5 2012 comes in at 5 lbs per hp versus 17 lbs per hp for the Zodiac Bayrunner 550 2013. 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 42 mph for the Zodiac Bayrunner 550 2013 and 37 mph for the Zodiac Commando C5 2012.
Both are inflatable designs, which means they pack down for compact storage, can be carried in a bag, and are dramatically lighter than equivalent rigid hulls. The trade-off is setup time and the need to monitor tube pressure regularly.
Bottom line: Choose the Zodiac Bayrunner 550 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 18,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac Commando C5 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.