When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the AB Inflatables 24 VST 2013 and the AB Inflatables F 24 2009 are inflatable rigid designs with fiberglass construction — 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 24 VST 2013 at 24,0 ft versus AB Inflatables F 24 2009 at 24,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the AB Inflatables 24 VST 2013 tips the scales at 2 402 lbs — 514 lbs more than the AB Inflatables F 24 2009 at 1 888 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 250 hp, the AB Inflatables 24 VST 2013 has a 100-hp advantage over the AB Inflatables F 24 2009's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 79 gal and 79 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 2 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.