The AB Inflatables 17 DLX - Widebody Bowrider 2012 vs AB-Inflatables Nautilus 11 DLX 2003 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 17 DLX - Widebody Bowrider 2012 measures 17,0 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 6,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the AB-Inflatables Nautilus 11 DLX 2003 at 11,0 feet (2003). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the AB Inflatables 17 DLX - Widebody Bowrider 2012 tips the scales at 1 181 lbs — 720 lbs more than the AB-Inflatables Nautilus 11 DLX 2003 at 461 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 90 hp, the AB Inflatables 17 DLX - Widebody Bowrider 2012 has a 60-hp advantage over the AB-Inflatables Nautilus 11 DLX 2003'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 17 DLX - Widebody Bowrider 2012 carries 33 gallons versus 13 gallons in the AB-Inflatables Nautilus 11 DLX 2003. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The AB-Inflatables Nautilus 11 DLX 2003 is rated for 3 passengers, while the AB Inflatables 17 DLX - Widebody Bowrider 2012 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the AB-Inflatables Nautilus 11 DLX 2003 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The AB Inflatables 17 DLX - Widebody Bowrider 2012 comes in at 13 lbs per hp versus 15 lbs per hp for the AB-Inflatables Nautilus 11 DLX 2003. 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 Nautilus 11 DLX 2003 is trailerable — a genuine lifestyle advantage at this size. The AB Inflatables 17 DLX - Widebody Bowrider 2012 isn't listed as trailerable, which may mean a permanent berth or mooring is required.
Bottom line: Choose the AB-Inflatables Nautilus 11 DLX 2003 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 3 passengers and at 11,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The AB Inflatables 17 DLX - Widebody Bowrider 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.