The AB Inflatables 9 VL 2013 vs AB-Inflatables Nautilus 17 DLX 2019 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 Nautilus 17 DLX 2019 measures 17,0 feet overall (2019), giving it roughly 7,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the AB Inflatables 9 VL 2013 at 9,5 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the AB-Inflatables Nautilus 17 DLX 2019 tips the scales at 1 250 lbs — 1 144 lbs less than the AB Inflatables 9 VL 2013 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 90 hp, the AB-Inflatables Nautilus 17 DLX 2019 has a 75-hp advantage over the AB Inflatables 9 VL 2013's 15-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 Nautilus 17 DLX 2019 is rated for 5 passengers, while the AB Inflatables 9 VL 2013 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 Nautilus 17 DLX 2019 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The AB Inflatables 9 VL 2013 comes in at 7 lbs per hp versus 14 lbs per hp for the AB-Inflatables Nautilus 17 DLX 2019. 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 17 DLX 2019 is trailerable — a genuine lifestyle advantage at this size. The AB Inflatables 9 VL 2013 isn't listed as trailerable, which may mean a permanent berth or mooring is required.