When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Zodiac Cadet 340 S 2008 and the Zodiac Cadet 340 Solid 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?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Zodiac Cadet 340 S 2008 at 11,0 ft versus Zodiac Cadet 340 Solid 2013 at 11,2 ft. At 115 lbs and 115 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 20 hp for the Zodiac Cadet 340 S 2008 and 20 hp for the Zodiac Cadet 340 Solid 2013. 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.

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 Cadet 340 Solid 2013 comes in at 6 lbs per hp versus 6 lbs per hp for the Zodiac Cadet 340 S 2008. 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 28 mph for the Zodiac Cadet 340 Solid 2013 and 28 mph for the Zodiac Cadet 340 S 2008.

The Zodiac Cadet 340 Solid 2013 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Zodiac Cadet 340 S 2008 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.