Matching a inflatable non rigid Zodiac Cadet Airlite 260 2009 against a inflatable rigid Zodiac Cadet Compact 300 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 4 hp for the Zodiac Cadet Airlite 260 2009 and 10 hp for the Zodiac Cadet Compact 300 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 Cadet Compact 300 2012 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Zodiac Cadet Airlite 260 2009 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Cadet Compact 300 2012 could be the deciding factor.
The Zodiac Cadet Compact 300 2012 has a documented top speed of 21 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.
The Zodiac Cadet Compact 300 2012 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Zodiac Cadet Airlite 260 2009 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: Choose the Zodiac Cadet Compact 300 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 4 passengers and at 9,8 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac Cadet Airlite 260 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.