Matching a inflatable non rigid Zodiac Cadet Solid 260 2011 against a deep vee Zodiac N-ZO 680 2013 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Zodiac N-ZO 680 2013 measures 22,3 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 13,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Zodiac Cadet Solid 260 2011 at 8,5 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac N-ZO 680 2013 tips the scales at 2 381 lbs — 2 302 lbs less than the Zodiac Cadet Solid 260 2011 at 79 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 200 hp, the Zodiac N-ZO 680 2013 has a 194-hp advantage over the Zodiac Cadet Solid 260 2011's 6-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 N-ZO 680 2013 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Zodiac Cadet Solid 260 2011 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac N-ZO 680 2013 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Zodiac N-ZO 680 2013 comes in at 12 lbs per hp versus 13 lbs per hp for the Zodiac Cadet Solid 260 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.
The Zodiac Cadet Solid 260 2011 has a documented top speed of 11 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.
The Zodiac N-ZO 680 2013 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Zodiac Cadet Solid 260 2011 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 N-ZO 680 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 14 passengers and at 22,3 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac Cadet Solid 260 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.