Matching a inflatable non rigid Zodiac MAX 1 2012 against a inflatable rigid Zodiac Pro Open 550 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 Open 550 2011 measures 18,1 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 11,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Zodiac MAX 1 2012 at 6,6 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac Pro Open 550 2011 tips the scales at 882 lbs — 836 lbs less than the Zodiac MAX 1 2012 at 46 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 120 hp, the Zodiac Pro Open 550 2011 has a 116-hp advantage over the Zodiac MAX 1 2012's 4-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 550 2011 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Zodiac MAX 1 2012 caps at 2. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Pro Open 550 2011 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Zodiac Pro Open 550 2011 comes in at 7 lbs per hp versus 12 lbs per hp for the Zodiac MAX 1 2012. 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.
Top speed is rated at 45 mph for the Zodiac Pro Open 550 2011 and 5 mph for the Zodiac MAX 1 2012.
The Zodiac MAX 1 2012 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Zodiac Pro Open 550 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 Pro Open 550 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 18,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac MAX 1 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 2 that costs less to run day-to-day.