Matching a deep vee Zodiac N-ZO 690 2012 against a inflatable rigid Zodiac Pro Open 650 2008 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Zodiac N-ZO 690 2012 at 22,9 ft versus Zodiac Pro Open 650 2008 at 21,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac Pro Open 650 2008 tips the scales at 1 388 lbs — 1 055 lbs less than the Zodiac N-ZO 690 2012 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 2012 has a 75-hp advantage over the Zodiac Pro Open 650 2008's 175-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 2012 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 8 lbs per hp for the Zodiac Pro Open 650 2008. 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 52 mph for the Zodiac N-ZO 690 2012 and 48 mph for the Zodiac Pro Open 650 2008.

The Zodiac N-ZO 690 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 650 2008 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.