Both the AB Inflatables 17 DLX - Widebody Bowrider 2010 and the AB Inflatables 17 DLX 2013 are rigid inflatable designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - AB Inflatables 17 DLX - Widebody Bowrider 2010 at 17,0 ft versus AB Inflatables 17 DLX 2013 at 17,0 ft. At 1 078 lbs and 1 078 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the AB Inflatables 17 DLX 2013 has a 25-hp advantage over the AB Inflatables 17 DLX - Widebody Bowrider 2010's 90-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 33 gal and 33 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 10 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.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The AB Inflatables 17 DLX 2013 comes in at 9 lbs per hp versus 12 lbs per hp for the AB Inflatables 17 DLX - Widebody Bowrider 2010. 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.