Zodiac Open Series: The Complete Buyer's Guide

The Zodiac Open Series has been a market leader for twenty years. That longevity is not coincidental; the Open is built around a premise that most RIBs avoid: one boat that handles fishing, wakeboarding, cruising, and family day boating without reconfiguration between them. Six models span 13'9" to 20', 50 to 150 HP, and 6 to 15 persons. Two, the 5.5 and 6.5, are also available in Gulfstream specification, a premium finish variant covered in detail in Section 02.

For a comparison of the Open Series against the Zodiac Medline, see our Zodiac Medline vs Open Series guide.

Zodiac Medline Boats vs. Zodiac Open Boats: Which Model Is Right For You

Is the Open Series right for you?

Before model specs, a clear-eyed answer to whether the Open Series suits your situation.

It suits you if:

• You want one boat that covers multiple activities, fishing, watersports, cruising, and family day boating, without committing to a single-use platform
• Day boating on the Chesapeake Bay, protected coastal waters, or sheltered estuaries is your primary operating environment
• You want fibreglass hull RIB performance at a more accessible price point than the Medline
• Your crew runs between 6 and 15 people depending on model, and you do not need twin-engine redundancy

It is not the right choice if:

• You need offshore passage-making capability or overnight accommodation, the Open is a day boat. The Zodiac X10CC or Medline 7.5 and above are the appropriate alternatives
• You want a purpose-built fishing platform with dedicated rod holders, livewell, and casting deck, the Open accommodates fishing but is not optimised for it
• You need more than 150 HP or twin-engine redundancy, the Open Series is single-engine only across the full range
• You are primarily looking for a yacht tender, the Zodiac Cadet and Nomad ranges are sized and designed for that role

Key Buying Considerations Before Choosing A Model

Model specs are the second decision. Four practical considerations shape the first.

How often you use it and how many people regularly come with you

Usage frequency affects how important storage and comfort features are relative to raw capability. A boat used twice a month by two people has different priorities than one used every weekend with a full family. The 4.2 and 4.8 suit regular use by small groups; the 5.5 and 6.5 suit owners who regularly have 8 or more people aboard.

Tip: Size down to what you actually use rather than the maximum you might occasionally need.

Where you store and launch the boat

Marina berth, trailer at home, or dry stack storage each impose different practical constraints. The Open 4.2 at 595 lbs and 13'9" is significantly more manageable on a trailer than the Open 6.5 at 1,676 lbs and 20'.

Tip: If you are trailering, confirm your tow vehicle's rated capacity before shortlisting a model. If you are in a marina berth, confirm the beam, all three size groups have different beam widths that affect slip compatibility.

Your primary operating waters

The Open Series is built for day boating in coastal and bay conditions. If the majority of your time is in protected, calm water, marina environments, sheltered creeks, flat-water days, the smaller models are proportionate to the conditions.

Tip: If you regularly operate in Chesapeake Bay chop, open coastal waters, or tidal passes with weather variability, the 5.5 or 6.5's additional weight and HP provide better rough-water stability and confidence meaningfully.

Budget for the full ownership picture

The purchase price is the beginning of the cost conversation. Motor selection, outboard service intervals, insurance, storage fees, and fuel consumption at your typical operating profile all contribute to annual ownership cost. A larger motor on a larger boat costs more to service and run than a smaller motor on a smaller boat, a consideration worth factoring in before committing to the 6.5 when the 5.5 covers your typical use case.

What makes the Zodiac Open Series different from the Rest

Versatility as the design brief

Most RIBs are optimised around one primary activity:

• the fishing models prioritise rod holders, livewells, and stable casting platforms;
• the watersports models prioritise towing power and deck space for riders;
• the cruising models prioritise seating and fuel range.

The Open Series is built on a different premise: one boat that handles the full range of day boating activities without forcing the owner to choose.

The result is a RIB that has remained at the top of its segment for two decades. The Open 6.5 is explicitly Zodiac's best-selling model in the range. Buyers return to it because it does not require compromise at the point of purchase.

Hull and tube construction

All six Open Series models use a polyester and fibreglass hull, the same material as the Medline series, paired with Neoprene/Hypalon or PVC/Strongan tubes depending on specification.

The fibreglass hull delivers the rigid-hull performance characteristic of the RIB format:

• confident tracking,
• clean planing, and
• stability in chop.

The choice between Neoprene/Hypalon and PVC tubes affects long-term durability and UV resistance. For a full breakdown of tube material differences, see our Hypalon vs PVC guide.

The Gulfstream variants explained

The Open 5.5 Gulfstream and Open 6.5 Gulfstream share the same hull, HP rating, and person capacity as their standard equivalents. The Gulfstream designation covers a premium finish and equipment package, new colours (all black or all white on the 5.5; new paints and upholstery on the 6.5), high-end upholstery, and differentiating accessories.

The 5.5 Gulfstream is 132 lbs heavier than the standard 5.5 due to additional equipment; the 6.5 Gulfstream is 90 lbs heavier than the standard 6.5.

For buyers comparing the two variants, the decision is about finish and identity rather than capability.

The Six Open Series Models At A Glance

Open 4.2 and 4.8: The Entry Models

The Open 4.2 at 13'9" runs up to 50 HP, carries 6 persons, and weighs 595 lbs. Four seats and a console locker keep the layout practical for day use. Zodiac lists yacht tender use explicitly in its sailing program, the 4.2 is the only Open Series model that crosses into tender territory.

The Open 4.8 at 15'5" steps up to 80 HP and prioritises ergonomics over compactness, more deck room, more space to move with 6 aboard. Note: dark grey gel coat is no longer available on this model.

Open 5.5 and 5.5 Gulfstream: the family model

The Open 5.5 at 17 '9 " runs 130 HP, carries 12 persons, and carries a 26.5-gallon fuel tank. The storage locker is the defining feature, large enough for fishing gear, wakeboards, and beach bags simultaneously, and accessible enough to use practically on the water. Two pilot seats and a large rear seat accommodate the crew across activity modes without reconfiguring between them.

The 5.5 Gulfstream delivers the same hull and 12-person capacity in all black or all white with premium upholstery, 132 lbs heavier due to additional equipment.

Open 6.5 and 6.5 Gulfstream: The best-seller

The Open 6.5 at 20' is Zodiac's best-selling model in the range, 150 HP, 15 persons, 53-gallon fuel tank, and the most comprehensive onboard features across the lineup. The step up from the 5.5 delivers three additional persons, 20 more HP, and 26.5 more gallons of fuel. Zodiac puts it directly: a sporty driver, a daughter who snorkels, a son who fishes, a wife who wakeboards, and friends who sunbathe can all be aboard without anyone compromising.

The 6.5 Gulfstream adds premium upholstery, new paints, and differentiating accessories, 90 lbs heavier, a finish choice not a performance one.

Zodiac Boats Performance and on-water handling

Planing and acceleration

The fibreglass hull across the Open range planes quickly relative to equivalent-size aluminium hull boats, the material stiffness allows more efficient energy transfer from motor to water. At their respective HP ratings, all Open Series models reach plane in calm conditions without excessive throttle input.

In the 5.5 and 6.5, the combination of hull length and HP produces a stable, controlled ride at speed that feels proportionate to the boat's size rather than stretched.

Chop and rough water behaviour

The fibreglass deep-V hull entry cuts through chop rather than riding over it, the characteristic that makes the Open Series a more confident rough-water boat than an equivalent soft-floor inflatable at the same size.

In Chesapeake Bay conditions, which shift quickly from flat to 2- to 3-foot chop in afternoon wind, the Open's hull behaviour is a practical advantage on full-day outings.

The larger models (5.5 and 6.5) benefit from additional hull length and weight that damp the pitch motion smaller boats experience in the same conditions.

Low-speed handling and docking

At low speed and during docking, the single-engine configuration requires conventional throttle and steering technique. There is no joystick control on the Open Series. For most day boating scenarios on the Open, this is not a limitation. For owners managing a 20-foot Open 6.5 in a tight marina berth singlehanded, allowing extra time and margin is the practical approach.

Motor compatibility across the Open Series

Model	Max HP	Applicable gas brands	Electric options
Open 4.2	50 HP	Tohatsu MFS · Yamaha F-series · Suzuki DF · Mercury	Mercury Avator 35E for marina use
Open 4.8	80 HP	Tohatsu MFS · Yamaha F-series · Suzuki DF · Mercury	Gas recommended at this HP range
Open 5.5 / 5.5 GS	130 HP	Tohatsu MFS · Yamaha F-series · Suzuki DF · Mercury	Gas recommended at this HP range
Open 6.5 / 6.5 GS	150 HP	Tohatsu MFS · Yamaha F-series · Suzuki DF · Mercury	Gas recommended at this HP range

The Mercury Avator 35E is noted as an electric option for the Open 4.2 in low-speed marina and anchorage conditions only. At the Open 4.8 and above, the HP range and typical load profile make gas outboards the practical choice for full-performance use.

For a full comparison of electric versus gas outboards see our electric vs gas outboard guide.

Which Open Series model is right for you

Buyer profile	Recommended model
First-time RIB buyer; fishing and cruising in protected conditions	Open 4.2
Full day trips; ergonomic layout priority; budget-conscious	Open 4.8
Family; multi-activity; large storage locker needed	Open 5.5
Family; multi-activity; premium finish matters	Open 5.5 Gulfstream
Large crew; all activities; best-seller; maximum fuel range	Open 6.5
Large crew; maximum capability; premium visual identity	Open 6.5 Gulfstream
Yacht owner wanting RIB tender performance	Open 4.2

Open Series buying checklist

Work through this before committing to a model and motor combination.

• Confirm your tow vehicle's rated capacity against the boat and motor weight combined, the 5.5 and 6.5 are heavy trailer loads
• Confirm your marina berth or storage dimension against the beam and length of the model you are considering
• Identify your typical crew size, not maximum, typical, and match the model accordingly
• Identify your primary activity mix: fishing, watersports, cruising, or family day boating. If one dominates, confirm the Open Series is the right category before choosing a model
• Choose HP based on typical load, not maximum, an overmotored boat costs more to run without proportionate performance gains in typical use
• Confirm tube material preference, Neoprene/Hypalon for longevity and UV resistance; PVC for lower upfront cost
• If considering Gulfstream, confirm the weight difference (90 to 132 lbs) does not affect your trailer or berth limits
• Request a quote from Annapolis Inflatables with your confirmed model and motor before finalising, pricing is configuration-dependent

Twenty years at the top of the segment

The Zodiac Open Series has held its market position for two decades because it solves the right problem: a versatile, capable RIB that does not require the buyer to commit to a single activity at the point of purchase.

From the entry-level Open 4.2 through to the best-selling Open 6.5, the range covers six distinct buyer profiles across three size groups without losing the core proposition that made it a market leader in the first place.

Annapolis Inflatables is an authorised Zodiac dealer stocking the full Open Series range. To discuss model selection, motor pairing, or configuration options, contact our team or request a quote at annapolisinflatables.net