Matching a inflatable non rigid Zodiac Classic Mark 2 ST 2012 against a deep vee Zodiac Medline 500 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Zodiac Classic Mark 2 ST 2012 at 13,8 ft versus Zodiac Medline 500 2013 at 16,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac Medline 500 2013 tips the scales at 778 lbs — 595 lbs less than the Zodiac Classic Mark 2 ST 2012 at 183 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 40 hp for the Zodiac Classic Mark 2 ST 2012 and 40 hp for the Zodiac Medline 500 2013. 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 Medline 500 2013 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Zodiac Classic Mark 2 ST 2012 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Medline 500 2013 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Zodiac Classic Mark 2 ST 2012 comes in at 5 lbs per hp versus 19 lbs per hp for the Zodiac Medline 500 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 2 ST 2012 has a documented top speed of 34 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. 6 in. (0.455 m) on the Zodiac Classic Mark 2 ST 2012 vs 1 ft. 8 in. (0.5 m) on the Zodiac Medline 500 2013 — larger tubes generally mean more buoyancy and a drier, more stable ride.
Bottom line: Choose the Zodiac Medline 500 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 16,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac Classic Mark 2 ST 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.