The AB Inflatables 15 VST 2012 vs AB-Inflatables Navigo 17 VS 2018 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — AB Inflatables 15 VST 2012 at 15,0 ft versus AB-Inflatables Navigo 17 VS 2018 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the AB-Inflatables Navigo 17 VS 2018 tips the scales at 772 lbs — 167 lbs less than the AB Inflatables 15 VST 2012 at 605 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 60 hp for the AB Inflatables 15 VST 2012 and 75 hp for the AB-Inflatables Navigo 17 VS 2018. 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 AB Inflatables 15 VST 2012 is rated for 9 passengers, while the AB-Inflatables Navigo 17 VS 2018 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the AB Inflatables 15 VST 2012 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The AB Inflatables 15 VST 2012 comes in at 10 lbs per hp versus 10 lbs per hp for the AB-Inflatables Navigo 17 VS 2018. 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.

The AB-Inflatables Navigo 17 VS 2018 is trailerable — a genuine lifestyle advantage at this size. The AB Inflatables 15 VST 2012 isn't listed as trailerable, which may mean a permanent berth or mooring is required.