Matching a inflatable non rigid Zodiac MAX 2 2012 against a deep vee Zodiac N-ZO 680 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Zodiac N-ZO 680 2013 measures 22,3 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 14,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Zodiac MAX 2 2012 at 7,9 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac N-ZO 680 2013 tips the scales at 2 381 lbs — 2 326 lbs less than the Zodiac MAX 2 2012 at 55 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 200 hp, the Zodiac N-ZO 680 2013 has a 196-hp advantage over the Zodiac MAX 2 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 N-ZO 680 2013 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Zodiac MAX 2 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 N-ZO 680 2013 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Zodiac N-ZO 680 2013 comes in at 12 lbs per hp versus 14 lbs per hp for the Zodiac MAX 2 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.
The Zodiac MAX 2 2012 has a documented top speed of 5 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. 2 in. (0.36 m) on the Zodiac MAX 2 2012 vs 2 ft. (0.6 m) on the Zodiac N-ZO 680 2013 — larger tubes generally mean more buoyancy and a drier, more stable ride.
Bottom line: Choose the Zodiac N-ZO 680 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 14 passengers and at 22,3 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac MAX 2 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.