Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Zodiac Classic Mark 1 ST 2008 vs Zodiac Pro 850 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a inflatable non rigid Zodiac Classic Mark 1 ST 2008 against a inflatable rigid Zodiac Pro 850 2011 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 Pro 850 2011 measures 27,9 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 16,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Zodiac Classic Mark 1 ST 2008 at 11,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac Pro 850 2011 tips the scales at 2 976 lbs — 2 841 lbs less than the Zodiac Classic Mark 1 ST 2008 at 135 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 300 hp, the Zodiac Pro 850 2011 has a 275-hp advantage over the Zodiac Classic Mark 1 ST 2008's 25-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 850 2011 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Zodiac Classic Mark 1 ST 2008 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Pro 850 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Zodiac Pro 850 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 10 passengers and at 27,9 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac Classic Mark 1 ST 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
ModelClassic Mark 1 ST
ModelPro 85
Model Year2008
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Weight - Detail135 lbs. (61 kg)
Weight - Detail2,976 lbs. (1,350 kg)
Weight - kg61.23
Weight - kg1349.89
Weight - lbs.135
Weight - lbs.2976
Width [transom] - Detail5 ft. 3 in. (1.61 m) Inside Width: 2 ft. 6 in. (.77 m)
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Length - Meters3.5
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet11
Length - Feet27.92
Length - Inches6
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail11 ft. 6 in. (3.5 m) Inside Length: 7 ft. 7 in. (2.3 m)
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 11 in. (8.5 m)
Length overall - Meters3.51
Length overall - Meters8.51
Length overall - Inches138
Length overall - Inches335
Beamnot available
Beam9 ft. 10 in. (3 m)
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Meters3
Beam - Inchesnot available
Beam - Inches118
Body / Hull
Hull materialInflatable
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeInflatable Non Rigid
Hull typeInflatable Rigid
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard6 hp (5 kW)
Engine/s standardnot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max25 hp (19 kW) Recommended Maximum: 20 hp (15 kW)
Engine max300 hp (225 kW)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail105.8 gal (400 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters401.25
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal105.8
Performance
Maximum speed28 mph (45 km/h)
Maximum speed57 mph (91 km/h)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,301 lbs. (590 kg)
Maximum capacity4,520 - 6,173 lbs. (2,050 - 2,800 kg)
Maximum people5
Maximum people10 / 2
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameternot available
Tube diameter2 ft. 0 in. (0.6 m)