Matching a inflatable rigid Zodiac Pro Open 850 2008 against a deep vee Zodiac Rec Pro 650 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 850 2008 measures 27,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 5,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Zodiac Rec Pro 650 2013 at 21,3 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Zodiac Pro Open 850 2008 tips the scales at 3 749 lbs — 1 661 lbs more than the Zodiac Rec Pro 650 2013 at 2 088 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 350 hp, the Zodiac Pro Open 850 2008 has a 200-hp advantage over the Zodiac Rec Pro 650 2013's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 15 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 850 2008 comes in at 11 lbs per hp versus 14 lbs per hp for the Zodiac Rec Pro 650 2013. 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 85 mph for the Zodiac Rec Pro 650 2013 and 57 mph for the Zodiac Pro Open 850 2008.
The Zodiac Rec Pro 650 2013 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Zodiac Pro Open 850 2008 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: The Zodiac Pro Open 850 2008 at 27,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Zodiac Rec Pro 650 2013 at 21,3 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.