When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Zodiac Bayrunner Pro Series 2011 and the Zodiac Pro 20 Man 2008 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 20 Man 2008 measures 27,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 13,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Zodiac Bayrunner Pro Series 2011 at 13,8 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac Pro 20 Man 2008 tips the scales at 2 976 lbs — 2 894 lbs less than the Zodiac Bayrunner Pro Series 2011 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 20 Man 2008 tops out at 300 hp. Engine specs for the Zodiac Bayrunner Pro Series 2011 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 20 Man 2008 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Zodiac Bayrunner Pro Series 2011 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 20 Man 2008 could be the deciding factor.