Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2011 vs Zodiac Pro 1980 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2011 vs Zodiac Pro 1980 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 60 hp, the Zodiac Pro 1980 has a 52-hp advantage over the Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2011'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 Pro 1980 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2011 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Pro 1980 could be the deciding factor.
The Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2011 has a documented top speed of 19 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.
Bottom line: Choose the Zodiac Pro 1980 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 4 passengers and at 15,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac Cadet RIB 260 2011 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 RIB 26
Modelnot available
Model Year2011
Model Yearnot available
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam5 ft. 4 in. (1.62 m)
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters1.63
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches64
Beam - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail110 lbs. (50 kg)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg49.9
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.11
Weight - lbs.not available
Length - Feet8.5
Length - Feet15
Length overall - Detail8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Length overall - Detail15.00 ft
Length overall - Meters2.59
Length overall - Meters4.57
Length overall - Inches102
Length overall - Inches180
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeInflatable Rigid
Hull typenot available
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter1 ft. 6 in. (0.45 m)
Tube diameternot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeoutboard
Engine max8 hp (6 kW)
Engine maxnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal2
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters75.71
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMercury
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower60 hp
Performance
Maximum speed19 mph (31 km/h)
Maximum speednot available
Operational Info
Maximum capacity725 lbs. (329 kg)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people3
Maximum peoplenot available
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower