Matching a deep vee Zodiac Medline II 2011 against a inflatable rigid Zodiac Pro Open 850 2010 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 2010 measures 27,9 feet overall (2010), giving it roughly 8,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Zodiac Medline II 2011 at 19,7 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac Pro Open 850 2010 tips the scales at 3 307 lbs — 1 786 lbs less than the Zodiac Medline II 2011 at 1 521 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 2010 has a 200-hp advantage over the Zodiac Medline II 2011's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Zodiac Pro Open 850 2010 carries 106 gallons versus 58 gallons in the Zodiac Medline II 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Zodiac Pro Open 850 2010 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Zodiac Medline II 2011 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Pro Open 850 2010 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Zodiac Pro Open 850 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 27,9 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac Medline II 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.