The AB-Inflatables Alumina 18 ALX 2016 vs AB-Inflatables Mares 11 VSX 2021 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 Alumina 18 ALX 2016 measures 18,0 feet overall (2016), giving it roughly 6,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the AB-Inflatables Mares 11 VSX 2021 at 11,4 feet (2021). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the AB-Inflatables Alumina 18 ALX 2016 tips the scales at 895 lbs — 578 lbs more than the AB-Inflatables Mares 11 VSX 2021 at 317 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 Alumina 18 ALX 2016 has a 60-hp advantage over the AB-Inflatables Mares 11 VSX 2021's 30-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 Alumina 18 ALX 2016 is rated for 5 passengers, while the AB-Inflatables Mares 11 VSX 2021 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the AB-Inflatables Alumina 18 ALX 2016 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The AB-Inflatables Alumina 18 ALX 2016 comes in at 10 lbs per hp versus 11 lbs per hp for the AB-Inflatables Mares 11 VSX 2021. 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.
Both the AB-Inflatables Alumina 18 ALX 2016 and AB-Inflatables Mares 11 VSX 2021 are trailerable, which is a big part of the appeal at this size. You can store either at home, hitch up on a whim, and launch wherever the water looks good.
Bottom line: Choose the AB-Inflatables Alumina 18 ALX 2016 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The AB-Inflatables Mares 11 VSX 2021 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.