When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Zodiac Pro 550 2011 and the Zodiac Yachtline Deluxe 420 DL 2011 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?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Zodiac Pro 550 2011 measures 17,2 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 3,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Zodiac Yachtline Deluxe 420 DL 2011 at 13,8 feet (2011). At 695 lbs and 602 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 90 hp, the Zodiac Pro 550 2011 has a 30-hp advantage over the Zodiac Yachtline Deluxe 420 DL 2011's 60-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 550 2011 carries 20 gallons versus 15 gallons in the Zodiac Yachtline Deluxe 420 DL 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 550 2011 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Zodiac Yachtline Deluxe 420 DL 2011 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Pro 550 2011 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Zodiac Pro 550 2011 comes in at 8 lbs per hp versus 10 lbs per hp for the Zodiac Yachtline Deluxe 420 DL 2011. 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 42 mph for the Zodiac Pro 550 2011 and 37 mph for the Zodiac Yachtline Deluxe 420 DL 2011.
Bottom line: Choose the Zodiac Pro 550 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 17,2 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac Yachtline Deluxe 420 DL 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.