Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Zodiac Pro Open 550 2011 vs Zodiac Zoom SP 450 ALU 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a inflatable rigid Zodiac Pro Open 550 2011 against a inflatable non rigid Zodiac Zoom SP 450 ALU 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 Open 550 2011 measures 18,1 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 3,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Zodiac Zoom SP 450 ALU 2013 at 14,8 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac Pro Open 550 2011 tips the scales at 882 lbs — 670 lbs more than the Zodiac Zoom SP 450 ALU 2013 at 212 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 120 hp, the Zodiac Pro Open 550 2011 has a 80-hp advantage over the Zodiac Zoom SP 450 ALU 2013's 40-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 Open 550 2011 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Zodiac Zoom SP 450 ALU 2013 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Pro Open 550 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Zodiac Pro Open 550 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 18,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac Zoom SP 450 ALU 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
ModelPro Open 55
ModelZoom SP 450 ALU
Model Year2011
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 2 in. (2.5 m)
Beam6 ft. 4 in. (1.92 m)
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Meters1.93
Beam - Inches98
Beam - Inches76
Weight - Detail882 lbs. (440 kg)
Weight - Detail212 lbs. (96 kg)
Weight - kg400.07
Weight - kg96.16
Weight - lbs.882
Weight - lbs.212
Length - Feet18.08
Length - Feet14.75
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 1 in. (5.5 m)
Length overall - Detail14 ft. 9 in. (4.5 m)
Length overall - Meters5.51
Length overall - Meters4.5
Length overall - Inches217
Length overall - Inches177
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail2 ft. 11 in. (0.9 m) inside
Length [deck]not available
Length [deck]11 ft. 5 in. (3.48 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialInflatable
Hull typeInflatable Rigid
Hull typeInflatable Non Rigid
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter1 ft. 11 in. (0.575 m)
Tube diameter1 ft. 8 in. (0.5 m)
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail21.9 gal (831 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters83.28
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal21.9
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max120 hp (90 kW)
Engine max40 hp
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower30 hp recommended
Performance
Maximum speed45 mph (72 km/h)
Maximum speednot available
Operational Info
Maximum capacity3,197 lbs. (1,450 kg)
Maximum capacity2,205 lbs. (1,000 kg)
Maximum people11
Maximum people8