When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Zodiac N-ZO 690 2011 and the Zodiac Pro Classic 650 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 N-ZO 690 2011 at 22,9 ft versus Zodiac Pro Classic 650 2013 at 20,7 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac Pro Classic 650 2013 tips the scales at 1 257 lbs — 924 lbs less than the Zodiac N-ZO 690 2011 at 333 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 250 hp, the Zodiac N-ZO 690 2011 has a 100-hp advantage over the Zodiac Pro Classic 650 2013's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 5 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 N-ZO 690 2011 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 8 lbs per hp for the Zodiac Pro Classic 650 2013. 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 85 mph for the Zodiac Pro Classic 650 2013 and 52 mph for the Zodiac N-ZO 690 2011.
The Zodiac Pro Classic 650 2013 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Zodiac N-ZO 690 2011 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: The Zodiac N-ZO 690 2011 at 22,9 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Zodiac Pro Classic 650 2013 at 20,7 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.