Matching a inflatable rigid Zodiac Cadet RIB 290 NEO 2013 against a inflatable non rigid Zodiac Classic Mark 1 ST 2012 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Zodiac Cadet RIB 290 NEO 2013 at 9,5 ft versus Zodiac Classic Mark 1 ST 2012 at 11,5 ft. At 165 lbs and 135 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 15 hp for the Zodiac Cadet RIB 290 NEO 2013 and 25 hp for the Zodiac Classic Mark 1 ST 2012. 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Zodiac Classic Mark 1 ST 2012 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Zodiac Cadet RIB 290 NEO 2013 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Classic Mark 1 ST 2012 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Zodiac Classic Mark 1 ST 2012 comes in at 5 lbs per hp versus 11 lbs per hp for the Zodiac Cadet RIB 290 NEO 2013. 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.
The Zodiac Classic Mark 1 ST 2012 has a documented top speed of 28 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.
Both are inflatable designs, which means they pack down for compact storage, can be carried in a bag, and are dramatically lighter than equivalent rigid hulls. The trade-off is setup time and the need to monitor tube pressure regularly. Tube diameter differs: 1 ft. 5 in. (0.42 m) on the Zodiac Cadet RIB 290 NEO 2013 vs 1 ft. 5 in. (0.425 m) on the Zodiac Classic Mark 1 ST 2012 — larger tubes generally mean more buoyancy and a drier, more stable ride.
Bottom line: Choose the Zodiac Classic Mark 1 ST 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 11,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac Cadet RIB 290 NEO 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.