The AB-Inflatables Mares 12 VSX 2016 vs AB-Inflatables Navigo 15 VS 2015 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — AB-Inflatables Mares 12 VSX 2016 at 12,0 ft versus AB-Inflatables Navigo 15 VS 2015 at 15,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the AB-Inflatables Navigo 15 VS 2015 tips the scales at 484 lbs — 147 lbs less than the AB-Inflatables Mares 12 VSX 2016 at 337 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 60 hp, the AB-Inflatables Navigo 15 VS 2015 has a 30-hp advantage over the AB-Inflatables Mares 12 VSX 2016'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 Navigo 15 VS 2015 is rated for 4 passengers, while the AB-Inflatables Mares 12 VSX 2016 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 Navigo 15 VS 2015 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The AB-Inflatables Navigo 15 VS 2015 comes in at 8 lbs per hp versus 11 lbs per hp for the AB-Inflatables Mares 12 VSX 2016. 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 Mares 12 VSX 2016 and AB-Inflatables Navigo 15 VS 2015 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.