The AB Inflatables Ultra Light Series 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 8,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the AB Inflatables Ultra Light Series 2013 at 8,3 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the AB-Inflatables Nautilus 17 DLX 2019 tips the scales at 1 250 lbs — 1 182 lbs less than the AB Inflatables Ultra Light Series 2013 at 68 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 85-hp advantage over the AB Inflatables Ultra Light Series 2013's 5-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 Ultra Light Series 2013 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 Nautilus 17 DLX 2019 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The AB Inflatables Ultra Light Series 2013 comes in at 14 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 Ultra Light Series 2013 isn't listed as trailerable, which may mean a permanent berth or mooring is required.
Bottom line: Choose the AB-Inflatables Nautilus 17 DLX 2019 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The AB Inflatables Ultra Light Series 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.