2021 AB Inflatables Mares 11 VSX review

AB Inflatables is a Columbian aluminium and fibreglass hulled rigid inflatable boat maker. This world-respected boat maker produces more than 70 different models from its factory in the industrial seaport city of Barranquilla.

In the AB Inflatables boat range there are aluminium and fibreglass hulled RIBS for all manner of marine applications, and ranging from 2.0 metres to 8.5 metres long.

Customers can choose from recreational and commercial models with tiller-steer, side console and centre console layouts.

There's even a range of jet-powered RIBs that we are very keen to review.

The subject of this boat test, however, is a new fibreglass-hulled tender called the Mares 11 VSX. This compact, versatile little boat slots in between the 10 VSX and the 12 VSX in the Mares range. 

Similar to its siblings, the AB Inflatables Mares 11 VSX has a deep vee fibreglass hull and deck surrounded by tough Orca (CSM) fabric inflatable tubes. 

Our AB Inflatables Mares 11 VSX test boat was supplied by Gold Coast-based, RIBForce Inflatables. Packages from this specialist RIB retailer start from $30,400 with a 30hp longshaft (20-inch) Mercury four-stroke outboard engine with mechanical steering. 

An Oceanic single-axle galvanised steel trailer with skid bearers (no brakes) adds $1970 to the price.

To spend $30K-plus is a fair sum for a 3.4-metre boat, but the AB Inflatables Mares 11 VSX is a premium quality boat delivered as a complete, turn-key package with plenty of kit. 

Standard features include a folding side console helm station with remote controls, cup holder, stainless steel steering wheel and grab rail; integrated stern bench seat with storage and marine cell foam upholstery; bow seat and locker to fit a 23-litre portable fuel tank; removable centre seat with cushion; diamond shape non-slip self-draining fibreglass floor; reinforced transom; eight Orca (CSM) fabric grab/carry handles; raised single solid rub rail; push-push plastic non-corrosive two-stage inflation valves; three-layer reinforced seams, LED navigation lights; battery master switch; battery box; 500 gallons an hour bilge pump; fuel filter; four davit lifting points; hand inflation pump; maintenance kit; and stainless steel tie-downs and towing rings.

Our test boat package arrived with the maximum-power 40hp Mercury four-stroke outboard engine bolted to the transom, along with a Garmin GPS 45 display and a Fusion audio system. These options lift the price to $34,000, or $35,970 with the Oceanic trailer. 

AB Inflatables RIBs are among the best on the market, having been in continuous construction in South America for some 50 years; I suspect this company knows better than most how to make a good quality rigid inflatable boat. 

Our AB Inflatables Mares 11 VSX test boat is a fine example of a modern RIB. It features a hand-laid fibreglass deep-vee hull bottom with fibreglass stringers providing strength and rigidity.

Overhead, a weight- and time-saving, one-piece deck mould incorporates the base of the helm console, along with the bow and stern seat/storage boxes. 

The fibreglass hull is surrounded by 460mm diameter inflatable tubes made from five-ply Orca chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) coated fabric.

The French-made Orca fabric used for all AB Inflatables RIBs is the good stuff; it's very durable and resistant to scratches, abrasion, and UV sun damage. 

AB Inflatables' hull tubes also have three separate baffled air chambers, while the tube seams are overlapped by 25mm and reinforced by taping on the inside.

Elsewhere we noted the transom on the AB Inflatables Mares 11 was properly reinforced with plastic (outside) and alloy (inside) engine mounting plates. 

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

At a glance, the interior layout in the AB Inflatables Mares 11 looks similar to other small console boats in the AB Inflatables range. However, it differs from most in that it has a hinged, folding helm console, allowing the boat to fit into a tight tender bay onboard a mothership, or to fit more easily into a garage. 

The top half of the console folds forward on hinges to reveal the starting battery underneath, secured and sheltered from the weather. 

The hinged, opening console also makes it relatively easy to install and to service the throttle box, engine gauges, and multifunction displays.

Steering, throttle and fuel cables are all routed underfloor aft to the engine - so the fibreglass deck remains clean and uncluttered. 

Centred on the helm console is a stainless steel steering wheel that would not look out of place on a 10m sports cruiser. Having such a top-quality wheel fitted to a small tender like the Mares 11 is more evidence of the attention to detail in these craft. 

Overhead there is space for engine gauges, but not for a flush-fitted electronics display. MFDs need to be bracket-mounted overhead - as was the Garmin unit on our test boat. 

The whole console is exposed to the weather so any multifunction displays fitted need to be waterproof. 

Other console features include a cup holder and grab rail, but no glovebox for keys, phones, etc. 

Alongside the side console helm station, there is provision to mount a port side seat for a single passenger. Having this amidships seat allows the weight of four passengers to be evenly distributed from the bow to the stern. 

The seat in the bow caters for a second person, while the aft, full-width bench seat accommodates the skipper and a passenger.

Of course, the 460mm diameter flotation tubes also make for quite comfy seats. 

To further help with weight distribution, the 23-litre portable fuel tank is housed beneath the seat at the bow. The fuel line is run underfloor back to the engine. 

For security underway, and for hauling the AB Inflatables Mares 11 up onto the shore, there are plenty of sturdy, durable grab/carry handles.

The only real storage area in the AB Inflatables Mares 11 is the compartment beneath the aft bench seat. This seat box is moulded to the deck so it will stay dry and is therefore suitable for stowing safety gear or life jackets.  

Behind the helm chair is the outboard splash well/bilge compartment complete with a bilge pump, fuel filter, and stainless steel lifting davits. 

Our test boat was also optioned with a pair of aft-facing rod holders. 

If you've ever taken a ride in a conventional inflatable boat, you will be familiar with how they tend to bounce and jiggle underway. Well, a rigid hull inflatable boat like the AB Inflatables Mares 11 handles nothing like that. At speed it feels solid and sure-footed. 

The fibreglass hull beneath the AB Inflatables Mares 11 also carries a steep transom deadrise of 22 degrees to smooth out the chop. 

At the bow the vee is even sharper and carries well forward to meet the waves as they come at you when travelling into a headsea.

The fine entry shape in the AB Inflatables Mares 11 parts the chop as it rides across the water, pushing spray outward, where it is then suppressed by the outer flotation tubes that act almost like reverse chines on a conventional hull.

For such a small boat, the AB Inflatables Mares 11 really is quite impressive; the ride is comfortable as noted, but the boat is also reasonably dry and massively stable.

If you're looking for a bit of fun you can also throw the boat about as it carves tight turns with ease and authority.

The AN Inflatables Mares 11, like most small/short inflatable RIBs, benefits from having a hydrofoil fitted to the outboard leg. The hydrofoil's extra lifting surface area helps these boats to plane more quickly, particularly when there is just the skipper onboard seated aft.

Two-up there are no such issues. With a second person sitting up in the bow, the AB Inflatables Mares 11 jumps quickly onto the plane, accelerating to a top speed of 28.5 knots.

That doesn't sound all that fast but feels plenty quick on the water. Further, the AB Inflatables Mares 11 gains another two or three knots of pace with just the skipper on board. 

Given the excellent performance of our test boat with the maximum 40hp Mercury four-stroke outboard engine, I would be tempted to save cost and reduce weight on the transom by dropping back to Mercury's equally fine (and 20kg lighter) 30hp unit. 

Performance

I have tested several AB Inflatables models in recent years and each has proven to be comfortable, stable, predictable. The new AB Inflatables Mares 11 is no different. It handles, rides and performs very well, making it ideal as a lightweight (around 235kg with engine) sports tender for moderate-sized yachts and power cruisers.  

Specifications
Model: AB Inflatables Mares 11 VSX
Hull length: 3.45m
Beam: 1.77m
Deadrise: 27 deg
Inside length: 2.47m
Inside width: 810mm
Hull weight: 143kg 
Tube diameter: 460mm
Weight on trailer: 380kg (est)
Maximum power: 40hp
Engine as tested: 40hp Mercury four-stroke
Fuel capacity: 22.7L (opt)
Flotation standard: Level
Passengers: 4 

Priced from: $30,400 including a 30hp Mercury longshaft (20-inch) four-stroke outboard engine with mechanical steering. Add $1970 for an Oceanic single-axle galvanised steel unbraked trailer.

Price as tested: $34,000 including an engine upgrade to the 40hp Mercury longshaft (20-inch) four-stroke outboard engine with hydraulic steering, along with Garmin GPS 4.5 display and a Fusion audio system. The price jumps to $35,970 with the Oceanic trailer. 

Supplied by: RIBForce Inflatables

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