Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Zodiac Cadet Compact 250 NEO 2013 vs Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Zodiac Cadet Compact 250 NEO 2013 vs Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 has a 107-hp advantage over the Zodiac Cadet Compact 250 NEO 2013's 8-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Zodiac Cadet Compact 250 NEO 2013 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 could be the deciding factor.
The Zodiac Cadet Compact 250 NEO 2013 has a documented top speed of 17 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.
The Zodiac Cadet Compact 250 NEO 2013 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 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 Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac Cadet Compact 250 NEO 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeZodiac
Makenot available
ModelCadet Compact 250 NEO
Modelnot available
Model Year2013
Model Yearnot available
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam5 ft. 1 in. (1.56 m)
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters1.55
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches61
Beam - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail88 lbs. (40 kg)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg39.92
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.88
Weight - lbs.not available
Width [transom] - Detail2 ft. 4 in. (0.7 m) inside
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Length [deck]5 ft. 4 in. (1.62 m)
Length [deck]not available
Length - Feet8.17
Length - Feet18
Length overall - Detail8 ft. 2 in. (2.5 m)
Length overall - Detail18.00 ft
Length overall - Meters2.49
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches98
Length overall - Inches216
Body / Hull
Hull materialComposite
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeInflatable Rigid
Hull typenot available
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter1 ft. 5 in. (0.42 m)
Tube diameternot available
Number of tubes2 airtight compartments
Number of tubesnot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeoutboard
Horsepower4 - 6 hp recommended
Horsepower115 hp
Engine max8 hp
Engine maxnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal26
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters98.42
Engine makenot available
Engine makeYamaha
Performance
Maximum speed17 mph (28 km/h)
Maximum speednot available
Operational Info
Maximum capacity882 lbs. (400 kg)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people3
Maximum peoplenot available
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower