AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012 boat specs
AB Inflatables
AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012
2012
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VS
AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017 boat specs
AB Inflatables
AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017
2017
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AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012 vs AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012 vs AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017 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 AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017 measures 21,4 feet overall (2017), giving it roughly 9,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012 at 12,0 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017 tips the scales at 1 808 lbs — 1 381 lbs less than the AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012 at 427 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 150 hp, the AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017 has a 120-hp advantage over the AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012's 30-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017 carries 63 gallons versus 1 gallons in the AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 6 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.

Bottom line: The AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017 at 21,4 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012 at 12,0 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.
General Boat Info
MakeAB Inflatables
Makenot available
Model12 VST
Modelnot available
Model Year2012
Model Yearnot available
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam6 ft. 1 in. (1.86 m) Inside: 2 ft. 10 in. (0.86 m)
Beam4.90 ft
Beam - Meters1.85
Beam - Meters1.49
Beam - Inches73
Beam - Inches59
Weight - Detail427 lbs. (194 kg)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg193.68
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.427
Weight - lbs.not available
Length [deck]9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)
Length [deck]not available
Length - Feet12
Length - Feet21.4
Length overall - Detail12 ft. (3.66 m)
Length overall - Detail21.40 ft
Length overall - Meters3.66
Length overall - Meters6.52
Length overall - Inches144
Length overall - Inches257
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail2.10 ft
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.64
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches25
Displacementnot available
Displacement1808.00 lbs
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeInflatable Rigid
Hull typenot available
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter18 in. (0.46 m)
Tube diameternot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail10 gal. (38 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters37.85
Fuel tank capacity - Liters238.48
Fuel tank capacity - Gal1
Fuel tank capacity - Gal63
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeoutboard
Engine max30 - 40 hp (22.4 - 29.8 kW)
Engine maxnot available
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower150 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,699 lbs. (771 kg)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people6
Maximum peoplenot available
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity12
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower

AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012 vs AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012 or the AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017?
The AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017 is the longer of the two at 21,4 feet overall. The AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012 comes in at 12,0 feet, making it roughly 9,4 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012 or the AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017?
For trailering, the AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012 has the edge at 427 lbs dry weight versus 1 808 lbs for the AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012 tops out at 30 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017 is certified for 6. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012 measures 73" wide, compared to 59" for the AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012 or the AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017?
The AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017 has the bigger tank at 63 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012. That 62-gallon difference translates to roughly 186–310 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012 and AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the AB Inflatables 12 VST 2012 and the AB-Inflatables Oceanus 21 VST 2017 are built by AB Inflatables. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.