When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Zodiac II 2009 and the Zodiac Pro Open 550 2011 are inflatable rigid designs with inflatable construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the Zodiac II 2009 has a 30-hp advantage over the Zodiac Pro Open 550 2011's 120-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 11 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.