2019 AB Nautilus 14 DLX review

In Australia, AB Inflatables are distributed by Gold Coast-based inflatable boat specialist RIB Force Inflatables. From its Coomera retail outlet, RIB Force sells the full range of AB Inflatables RIBs, carrying many as stock models.

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The AB Inflatables boat range is large. As noted, 60 different models (just in the leisure range) ranging from 2.0 to 8.5 metres in length (including three two jet boats) are produced from the AB factory located near the busy northern Columbian seaport of Barranquilla.

AB Inflatables makes rigid hull boats with both fibreglass and aluminium hulls to suit different applications and environments. Alloy-hulled boats are light, tough and very durable. Conversely, the fibreglass-hulled models are generally heavier, smoother, softer riding and have more sophisticated deck layouts.

Our test boat for this review is one of the latest models in the flagship Nautilus fibreglass-hulled boat range, the Nautilus 14 DLX. Measuring 4.27m long and 1.98m wide, the 14 DLX sits roughly in the middle of the Nautilus range.

The smallest Nautilus model is the 3.35-metre 11 DLX. The largest is the 5.8-metre 19 DLX range-topper, available with either outboard or jet power.

The Nautilus RIBs are the deluxe models in the AB Inflatables line-up. Each of these side console boats has a deep vee hull and moulded fibreglass deck surrounded by tough inflatable tubes made from a quality Orca CSM coated fabric, generically referred to as Hypalon.

The AB Inflatables Nautilus RIBs are premium, full-featured models and are priced accordingly. RIB Force Inflatables has package prices starting from $41,595 when paired with a Mercury 50hp longshaft (20-inch) four-stroke outboard with hydraulic steering. Add $3294 if you require a single-axle (unbraked) galvanised steel trailer.

A boat/motor/trailer price of $40,000-plus is a fair ask for a 4.3-metre boat, but the AB Nautilus 14 DLX is delivered as a complete, turn-key boating package. There are a few options available, but everything you need to get out on the water is included in the standard inventory.

Some of these key features includes the sporty side console helm station with remote controls, full interior fibreglass deck mould with non-slip floor, centre bench seat and bow storage compartment, stainless steel bow and stern grab rails, LED navigation lights, rear bench seating with bilge/storage compartment, transom boarding platforms, deluxe Spradling upholstered seat cushions and side panels, a 78-litre built-in alloy fuel tank, freshwater shower with 34-litre tank, retractable bow and stern cleats, battery master switch, 2000 litres an hour bilge pump, fuel filter, davit lifting points, hand inflation pump, cup holders, stainless tie-downs and towing rings, and more.

Our test boat was completely standard but for an engine upgrade to the more powerful Mercury 60hp in-line four-cylinder, four-stroke outboard, which lifts the boat/motor/trailer package price as tested by just $400 to $41,995.

The AB Inflatables Nautilus 14 DLX is built with a hand-laid fibreglass deep-vee hull, flanked by 480mm diameter tubes made from a five-ply Orca CSM chlorosulfonated polyethylene-coated fabric.

CSM comes in several grades, but the good stuff is similar to the Hypalon product made by DuPont up until 2010. Similar to the original Hypalon, Orca CSM (made in France by Pennel and Flipo) is highly durable and resistant to scratches and UV damage.

AB Inflatables boats are also said to have air tubes that are larger in diameter (than standard) to increased stability, general safety and load-carrying capacity.

Each tube has three separate, baffled air chambers, and the tube seams overlap by 25mm and are reinforced with tape on the inside.

AB Inflatables RIBs have CE, NMMA and ISO 9001 certification, and are backed by a 10-year limited warranty.

The AB Nautilus DLX ribs are marketed as luxury tenders for large cruisers and motor-yachts; our test boat had already been bought as a tender for a Riviera 75 that was bound for Phuket.

However, the AB Nautilus 14 DLX and larger models have the size, handling, seaworthiness and interior features worthy of weekend runabouts and social sports boats.

The seating and storage space alone will encourage owners to treat the Nautilus 14 DLX as an individual sports family boat in its own right.

As evident from the accompanying photos, there are moulded, cushioned seats at the bow, in the centre of the boat, and at the stern. The comfortable seats will easily accommodate five, possibly six people.

The seats, formed as part of the deck mould, have storage space beneath. At the bow, the forepeak seat has an angular storage compartment designed to double as an anchor well.

The clip-on cushion on top is nicely padded, and the backrest behind it allows you to recline comfortably. This padded lining extends around the full perimeter of the internal coaming at the bow and looks a treat.

Low-set, but perfectly placed stainless steel grab rails on each side act as handholds whilst underway.

The broad, moulded bench seat in the centre of the boat conceals a large icebox/cooler beneath. A broad, padded clip-on cushion makes this seat comfortable for a least two adults. The person sitting on the port side can also face forward or aft.

Moving aft, the rear bench seat caters for the skipper and co-pilot. It is well-positioned and within easy reach of the console steering wheel and throttle control, and is set at just the right height for a clear view of the surroundings and the instrument panel.

The side console helm station is compact but practical. There is no glovebox or storage nook, but there is space on the faux-carbon fascia for the switch panel and engine instrumentation. You could also squeeze in a small flush-fitted electronics display if you position the engine gauges closer together.

The short windshield overhead looks cool but does not provide much shelter. Conversely, the controls are well-placed, the stainless steel steering wheel and side-mount throttle lever falling easily to hand.

A SOPAC hatch on the front of the console opens out to provide access to the wiring behind the helm. This front section of the console unit is padded to provide a backrest for the centre bench seat.

In the stern of the boat, the bench seat lifts up to reveal a large bilge compartment. Gas support struts hold the hatch/seat lid up so you can delve down inside to access the battery, fuel filter and bilge pump for servicing. This locker doubles as a storage compartment.

At the stern of the boat, the Nautilus 14 DLX has a formed outboard splash well flanked by angled, non-slip boarding platforms with retractable stainless steel stern cleats on each corner. There is also an option for a boarding ladder.

Also noteworthy is the entrance step on the port side coaming for boarding the boat from a mothership or jetty.

AB Inflatables' Nautilus models have a deep-vee fibreglass hull with a fine cutting entry at the bow and a steep 23 degrees of vee angle at the transom.

This sharp vee shape is possible because the outside flotation tubes stiffen the hull and provide immense stability, particularly at rest. It is this superior stability, compared with other boat types, that makes inflatable boats ideal as tenders.

The addition of the fibreglass deep-vee hull makes the AB Nautilus 14 DLX more capable than the average tender. I'd have no qualms using this boat as a sports family boat in its own right, as it handles, rides and performs exceptionally well.

Underway our test boat was easy and fun to drive. The SeaStar hydraulic steering worked a treat and we could throw the boat into tight, 90-degree turns and figure eights with ease.

With its very fine, sharp stem and bow vee angle, the AB Nautilus 14 DLX is also soft through chop, well balanced at speed, responsive to engine power trim, and drier than I would have expected from an inflatable boat.

We tested the AB Nautilus 14 DLX with a Mercury 60hp four-stroke on the transom. This smooth-running, in-line four-cylinder outboard engine yielded a handy top speed of 31.2 knots with two adults onboard.

The AB Nautilus 14 DLX can also come with the option of a smaller 50hp Mercury and a larger 70hp model, but we reckon the Mercury 60hp hits the sweet spot, providing an excellent balance of power and performance versus purchase price and fuel efficiency.

Performance

The AB Inflatables Nautilus 14 DLX is ideal as a mid-size tender for large motor yachts and very capable as a family sports boat and general harbour runabout.

Moreover, there is an eight-strong line-up of Nautilus models stretching from 3.3 to 5.8 metres. That means there are plenty of options if the 14 DLX model is not quite the right size for your particular marine application.

Tender or sports runabout, we reckon the Nautilus 14 DLX is an excellent piece of kit.

Specifications
Model: AB Nautilus 14 DLX
Hull length: 4.27m
Beam: 1.98m
Deadrise: 23 degrees
Inside length: 3.3m
Inside width: 940mm
Hull weight: 323kg
Tube diameter: 480mm
Weight on trailer: Approx 570kg
Maximum power: 70hp
Engine as tested: Mercury 60hp four-stroke
Fuel: 78L
Water: 34L
Flotation standard: Level
Maximum persons: Six

Priced from: $41,595 including a Mercury 50hp longshaft (20-inch) four-stroke outboard with hydraulic steering and Mercury SmartCraft or VesselView digital engine gauges. Add $3294 for an Oceanic single-axle galvanised steel unbraked trailer.

Price as tested: $41,995. As above but with an engine upgrade to the Mercury 60hp longshaft (20-inch) four-stroke outboard.

Supplied by: RIB Force Inflatables