When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Zodiac Medline IIC 2010 and the Zodiac Pro Racing 500 2013 are deep vee designs with fiberglass 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Zodiac Medline IIC 2010 at 17,4 ft versus Zodiac Pro Racing 500 2013 at 15,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac Medline IIC 2010 tips the scales at 1 058 lbs — 551 lbs more than the Zodiac Pro Racing 500 2013 at 507 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 115 hp, the Zodiac Medline IIC 2010 has a 45-hp advantage over the Zodiac Pro Racing 500 2013's 70-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 9 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.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Zodiac Pro Racing 500 2013 comes in at 7 lbs per hp versus 9 lbs per hp for the Zodiac Medline IIC 2010. 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 43 mph for the Zodiac Medline IIC 2010 and 41 mph for the Zodiac Pro Racing 500 2013.
The Zodiac Pro Racing 500 2013 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Zodiac Medline IIC 2010 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: The Zodiac Medline IIC 2010 at 17,4 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Zodiac Pro Racing 500 2013 at 15,4 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.