Matching a inflatable rigid Zodiac Pro 550 2011 against a inflatable non rigid Zodiac Zoom 230 Aero 2013 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Zodiac Pro 550 2011 measures 17,2 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 9,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Zodiac Zoom 230 Aero 2013 at 7,6 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac Pro 550 2011 tips the scales at 695 lbs — 689 lbs more than the Zodiac Zoom 230 Aero 2013 at 6 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 90 hp, the Zodiac Pro 550 2011 has a 86-hp advantage over the Zodiac Zoom 230 Aero 2013's 4-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
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 Zoom 230 Aero 2013 caps at 2. 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 Zoom 230 Aero 2013 comes in at 2 lbs per hp versus 8 lbs per hp for the Zodiac Pro 550 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.
The Zodiac Pro 550 2011 has a documented top speed of 42 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.
The Zodiac Zoom 230 Aero 2013 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Zodiac Pro 550 2011 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
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 Zoom 230 Aero 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 2 that costs less to run day-to-day.