When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Zodiac Cadet Compact 300 2011 and the Zodiac ProJet 350 2008 are inflatable rigid designs with composite 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 Compact 300 2011 at 9,8 ft versus Zodiac ProJet 350 2008 at 11,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac ProJet 350 2008 tips the scales at 661 lbs — 555 lbs less than the Zodiac Cadet Compact 300 2011 at 106 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 98 hp, the Zodiac ProJet 350 2008 has a 88-hp advantage over the Zodiac Cadet Compact 300 2011's 10-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 4 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 ProJet 350 2008 comes in at 7 lbs per hp versus 11 lbs per hp for the Zodiac Cadet Compact 300 2011. 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 45 mph for the Zodiac ProJet 350 2008 and 21 mph for the Zodiac Cadet Compact 300 2011.