The Zodiac Zoom 310 S 2006 vs Zodiac Zoom 380 S 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Zodiac Zoom 380 S 2008 measures 12,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 11,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Zodiac Zoom 310 S 2006 at 1,0 feet (2006). At 84 lbs and 121 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 6 hp for the Zodiac Zoom 310 S 2006 and 15 hp for the Zodiac Zoom 380 S 2008. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Zodiac Zoom 380 S 2008 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Zodiac Zoom 310 S 2006 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Zodiac Zoom 380 S 2008 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Zodiac Zoom 380 S 2008 comes in at 8 lbs per hp versus 14 lbs per hp for the Zodiac Zoom 310 S 2006. 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.
Bottom line: Choose the Zodiac Zoom 380 S 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 12,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Zodiac Zoom 310 S 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.