Zodiac Cadet  Airlite 260 2009 boat specs
Zodiac
Zodiac Cadet Airlite 260 2009
2009
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VS
Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2010 boat specs
Zodiac
Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2010
2010
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Zodiac Cadet Airlite 260 2009 vs Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a inflatable non rigid Zodiac Cadet Airlite 260 2009 against a inflatable rigid Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2010 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 8 hp for the Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2010. 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 3 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.

The Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2010 has a documented top speed of 19 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.

Bottom line: The Zodiac Cadet Airlite 260 2009 and Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2010 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeZodiac
MakeZodiac
ModelCadet Airlite 26
ModelCadet RIB 26
Model Year2009
Model Year201
Measurements / Dimensions
Length - Feet8.5
Length - Feet8.5
Length overall - Detail8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Length overall - Detail8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Length overall - Meters2.59
Length overall - Meters2.59
Length overall - Inches102
Length overall - Inches102
Beamnot available
Beam5 ft. 4 in. (1.62 m)
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Meters1.63
Beam - Inchesnot available
Beam - Inches64
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail110 lbs. (50 kg)
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg49.9
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.11
Body / Hull
Hull materialInflatable
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeInflatable Non Rigid
Hull typeInflatable Rigid
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max4 hp (3 kW)
Engine max8 hp (6 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity815 lbs. (370 kg)
Maximum capacity725 lbs. (329 kg)
Maximum people3 + 1
Maximum people3
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameternot available
Tube diameter1 ft. 6 in. (0.45 m)
Performance
Maximum speednot available
Maximum speed19 mph (31 km/h)

Zodiac Cadet Airlite 260 2009 vs Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2010 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Zodiac Cadet Airlite 260 2009 or the Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2010?
The Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2010 is the longer of the two at 8,5 feet overall. The Zodiac Cadet Airlite 260 2009 comes in at 8,5 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Zodiac Cadet Airlite 260 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 3 passengers, while the Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2010 is certified for 3. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Are the Zodiac Cadet Airlite 260 2009 and Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2010 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Zodiac Cadet Airlite 260 2009 and the Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2010 are built by Zodiac. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.