Zodiac Cadet Fastroller 285 FR Acti-V  2008 boat specs
Zodiac
Zodiac Cadet Fastroller 285 FR Acti-V 2008
2008
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Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 boat specs
Zodiac
Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021
2021
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Zodiac Cadet Fastroller 285 FR Acti-V 2008 vs Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Zodiac Cadet Fastroller 285 FR Acti-V 2008 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 Fastroller 285 FR Acti-V 2008'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 Fastroller 285 FR Acti-V 2008 caps at 4. 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 Fastroller 285 FR Acti-V 2008 has a documented top speed of 20 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.

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 Fastroller 285 FR Acti-V 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeZodiac
Makenot available
ModelCadet Fastroller 285 FR Acti-V
Modelnot available
Model Year2008
Model Yearnot available
Measurements / Dimensions
Weight - Detail73 lbs. (33 kg)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg33.11
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.73
Weight - lbs.not available
Width [transom] - Detail5 ft. 3 in. (1.6 m) Inside Width: 2 ft. 4 in. (.7 m)
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Length - Meters2.85
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet9
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches4
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail9 ft. 4 in. (2.85 m) Inside Length: 6 ft. 5 in. (1.95 m)
Length overall - Detail18.00 ft
Length overall - Meters2.84
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches112
Length overall - Inches216
Body / Hull
Hull materialInflatable
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeInflatable Non Rigid
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard3 hp (2.3 kW)
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeoutboard
Engine max8 hp (6 kW) Recommended Maximum: 6 hp (4.5 kW)
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
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower115 hp
Performance
Maximum speed20 mph (32 km/h)
Maximum speednot available
Operational Info
Maximum capacity881 lbs. (400 kg)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people4
Maximum peoplenot available
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower

Zodiac Cadet Fastroller 285 FR Acti-V 2008 vs Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Zodiac Cadet Fastroller 285 FR Acti-V 2008 or the Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021?
The Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Zodiac Cadet Fastroller 285 FR Acti-V 2008 comes in at 9,0 feet, making it roughly 9,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Zodiac Cadet Fastroller 285 FR Acti-V 2008 tops out at 8 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Zodiac Cadet Fastroller 285 FR Acti-V 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 is certified for 5. 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 Fastroller 285 FR Acti-V 2008 and Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Zodiac Cadet Fastroller 285 FR Acti-V 2008 and the Zodiac Open 5.5 PVC 115hp T-Top On Order 2021 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.