Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Zodiac Futura Mark III FR 2013 vs Zodiac Pro Open 850 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a inflatable non rigid Zodiac Futura Mark III FR 2013 against a inflatable rigid Zodiac Pro Open 850 2008 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 Open 850 2008 measures 27,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 12,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Zodiac Futura Mark III FR 2013 at 14,8 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac Pro Open 850 2008 tips the scales at 3 749 lbs — 3 570 lbs less than the Zodiac Futura Mark III FR 2013 at 179 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 350 hp, the Zodiac Pro Open 850 2008 has a 310-hp advantage over the Zodiac Futura Mark III FR 2013's 40-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 Open 850 2008 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Zodiac Futura Mark III FR 2013 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Pro Open 850 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Zodiac Pro Open 850 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 15 passengers and at 27,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac Futura Mark III FR 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
ModelFutura Mark III FR
ModelPro Open 85
Model Year2013
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam6 ft. 9 in. (2.05 m)
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters2.06
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches81
Beam - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail179 lbs. (81 kg)
Weight - Detail3,749 lbs. (1,700 kg)
Weight - kg81.19
Weight - kg1700.52
Weight - lbs.179
Weight - lbs.3749
Width [transom] - Detail2 ft. 11 in. (0.89 m) inside
Width [transom] - Detail9 ft. 10 in. (3 m) Inside Width: 6 ft. 1 in. (1.85 m)
Length [deck]11 ft. 2 in. (3.4 m)
Length [deck]not available
Length - Feet14.75
Length - Feet27
Length overall - Detail14 ft. 9 in. (4.5 m)
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 11 in. (8.5 m) Inside Length: 24 ft. 5 in. (7.45 m)
Length overall - Meters4.5
Length overall - Meters8.51
Length overall - Inches177
Length overall - Inches335
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters8.5
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches11
Body / Hull
Hull materialInflatable
Hull materialRigid inflatable
Hull typeInflatable Non Rigid
Hull typeInflatable Rigid
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter1 ft. 10 in. (0.57 m)
Tube diameternot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Horsepower10 - 30 hp recommended
Horsepowernot available
Engine max40 hp
Engine max350 hp (261 kW) Recommended Maximum: 300 hp (225 kW)
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard250 hp (188 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed32 mph (52 km/h)
Maximum speed57 mph (91 km/h)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,646 lbs. (1,200 kg)
Maximum capacity3,538 lbs. (cat B), 4,695 lbs. (cat C), 1,605 lbs. (cat B), 2,130 lbs. (cat C)
Maximum people8
Maximum people15 (cat B), 8 (cat C)