Matching a modified vee Zodiac Bayrunner 650 2013 against a deep vee Zodiac N-ZO 690 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 650 2013 at 21,3 ft versus Zodiac N-ZO 690 2012 at 22,9 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac Bayrunner 650 2013 tips the scales at 1 257 lbs — 924 lbs more than the Zodiac N-ZO 690 2012 at 333 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 250 hp, the Zodiac N-ZO 690 2012 has a 160-hp advantage over the Zodiac Bayrunner 650 2013's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 5 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Zodiac N-ZO 690 2012 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 14 lbs per hp for the Zodiac Bayrunner 650 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 53 mph for the Zodiac Bayrunner 650 2013 and 52 mph for the Zodiac N-ZO 690 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. Tube diameter differs: 2 ft. (0.6 m) on the Zodiac Bayrunner 650 2013 vs 2 ft. 2 in. (0.65 m) on the Zodiac N-ZO 690 2012 — larger tubes generally mean more buoyancy and a drier, more stable ride.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Zodiac N-ZO 690 2012 and its 250-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Zodiac Bayrunner 650 2013 with its 90-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.