When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Zodiac Bayrunner Pro Series 2010 and the Zodiac Pro Open 550 2012 are inflatable rigid designs with fiberglass 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 Pro Open 550 2012 measures 18,1 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 4,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Zodiac Bayrunner Pro Series 2010 at 13,8 feet (2010). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac Pro Open 550 2012 tips the scales at 882 lbs — 800 lbs less than the Zodiac Bayrunner Pro Series 2010 at 82 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 Zodiac Pro Open 550 2012 tops out at 120 hp. Engine specs for the Zodiac Bayrunner Pro Series 2010 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Zodiac Pro Open 550 2012 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Zodiac Bayrunner Pro Series 2010 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Pro Open 550 2012 could be the deciding factor.

The Zodiac Pro Open 550 2012 has a documented top speed of 45 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.

The Zodiac Pro Open 550 2012 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Zodiac Bayrunner Pro Series 2010 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.