Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Zodiac Pro 15 Man 2012 vs Zodiac Pro Open 650 2008 — A Close Look at Two Inflatable Rigids
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Zodiac Pro 15 Man 2012 and the Zodiac Pro Open 650 2008 are inflatable rigid 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 Pro 15 Man 2012 at 20,7 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 — 131 lbs less than the Zodiac Pro 15 Man 2012 at 1 257 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 175 hp, the Zodiac Pro Open 650 2008 has a 25-hp advantage over the Zodiac Pro 15 Man 2012'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 Pro Open 650 2008 comes in at 8 lbs per hp versus 8 lbs per hp for the Zodiac Pro 15 Man 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.
Top speed is rated at 53 mph for the Zodiac Pro 15 Man 2012 and 48 mph for the Zodiac Pro Open 650 2008.
The Zodiac Pro 15 Man 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.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Zodiac Pro Open 650 2008 and its 175-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Zodiac Pro 15 Man 2012 with its 150-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
ModelPro 15 Man
ModelPro Open 65
Model Year2012
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 2 in. (2.5 m)
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches98
Beam - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail1,257 lbs. (570 kg)
Weight - Detail1,388 lbs. (630 kg)
Weight - kg570.17
Weight - kg629.59
Weight - lbs.1257
Weight - lbs.1388
Width [transom] - Detail4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m) inside width
Width [transom] - Detail8 ft. 2 in. (2.5 m) Inside Width: 4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m)
Length [deck]13 ft. 8 in. (4.16 m) inside length
Length [deck]not available
Length - Feet20.67
Length - Feet21
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 8 in. (6.3 m)
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 4 in. (6.2 m) Inside Length: 16 ft. 3 in. (4.95 m)
Length overall - Meters6.3
Length overall - Meters6.5
Length overall - Inches248
Length overall - Inches256
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters6.2
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches4
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialRigid inflatable
Hull typeInflatable Rigid
Hull typeInflatable Rigid
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter1 ft. 11 in. (0.575 m)
Tube diameternot available
Number of tubesAirtight Compartments: 5
Number of tubesnot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail47.6 gal. (180 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal47.6
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max150 hp (113 kW)
Engine max175 hp (131 kW) Recommended Maximum: 150 hp (113 kW)
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard115 hp (87 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed53 mph (85 km/h)
Maximum speed48 mph (77 km/h)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,249 - 3,836 lbs. (1,020 - 1,740 kg)
Maximum capacity2,369lbs. (cat B), 3,527 lbs. (cat C), 1,075 lbs. (cat B), 1,600 lbs. (cat C)
Maximum people5 / 15
Maximum people5 (cat B), 13 (cat C)