When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the AB Inflatables 28 VST 2012 and the AB Inflatables 9 VL 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?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The AB Inflatables 28 VST 2012 measures 28,0 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 18,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the AB Inflatables 9 VL 2009 at 9,5 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the AB Inflatables 28 VST 2012 tips the scales at 2 853 lbs — 2 747 lbs more than the AB Inflatables 9 VL 2009 at 106 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 28 VST 2012 has a 240-hp advantage over the AB Inflatables 9 VL 2009's 10-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The AB Inflatables 28 VST 2012 is rated for 25 passengers, while the AB Inflatables 9 VL 2009 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the AB Inflatables 28 VST 2012 could be the deciding factor.