Zodiac’s Medline 5.8, with its deep-V fiberglass hull and inflatable tube, proves buoyant, quick-planing, stable and knock-around durable. Lightweight, it’s easy to trailer and store, and offers impressive fuel economy and performance from modest power. Look closer at the 5.8’s features and it’s apparent this 19-foot RIB handles many of the tasks at which conventional runabouts excel, from a day on the water with family to towing skis, boards and inflatables.
Zodiac’s use of interior space is impressive. The bow features two seating areas, a bench in front of the console, and a V-shaped seat at the bow. A pedestal table makes the area into a small dinette. Drop the table and add a filler cushion, and the setup transforms into a sun bed. Similar versatility can be found aft, where the backrest on a multipassenger lounge pivots forward to create yet another sun bed. A teak table is also ready to pivot up into position behind the helm seat, itself equal in width to the bench behind. The 5.8 may look small, but it seats big, with capacity for up to 11 friends and family members.
It also sports a similarly supersize features list. A fiberglass bow step is fitted with EVA decking, features a trio of cleats, and includes navigation lights and an anchor roller. The anchor locker is below the bow cushion. Cup holders wait fore and aft. Storage is within the helm console as well as below the seating. At the dash, find push-button switching, dual USB ports, a 12-volt charger, and dash space for an optional Garmin touchscreen and Fusion audio unit. The beefy stainless-steel arch can be laid flat and incorporates a Bimini. Dual swim platforms extend beside the motor and include a three-step telescoping ladder. A sturdy ski mast resides on center.
As to on-water performance, tubes prompt the hull to turn relatively flat despite its 21 degrees of deadrise, providing some centrifugal force in the corners, but the inflatable tubes retain stability. Our test boat’s 115 hp Yamaha pushed the hull onto plane in 4.8 seconds and topped out at 42 mph.
High Points
- Hypalon tubes feature five individual air chambers and don’t get too hot in warmer climates.
- Inflatable tube can be removed for storage or repair.
- Sporty, efficient performance yet modest power.
How We Tested
- Engine: Yamaha 115
- Prop: 13″ x 19″ 3-blade aluminum
- Gear Ratio: 2.15:1 Fuel Load: 20 gal. Crew Weight: 350 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $64,333 (MSRP as tested) |
| LOA: | 19’0″ |
| Beam: | 8’4″ |
| Draft (max): | 1’6″ |
| Dry Weight: | 1,484 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 11/2,690 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 26 gal. |
Zodiac – Summerville, South Carolina; zodiac-nautic.com/us
