2021 AB Inflatables Navigo 15 VS review

Columbian rigid hull inflatable boat-maker AB Inflatables has a range of RIBs to suit most marine applications, from tender through to sports boat.

Customers can choose from more than 70 different models, and that's just in the recreational boat range. Production and custom-made commercial boats also are available.

The smallest AB Inflatables model is just 2.39 metres long, while the largest is 8.3 metres. All models have a rigid vee-hull bottom made of aluminium or fibreglass.

Boat types range from open, tiller-steer models through to centre and side console configurations with a steering wheel and remote controls.

The subject of this review is one the many fibreglass models, the versatile AB Inflatables Navigo 15 VS open boat, paired with a 60hp Mercury electric-start, tiller-steer four-stroke outboard engine.

Our test boat was supplied by Australian AB Inflatables distributor RIBForce Inflatables. Headquartered on the Gold Coast, RIBForce stocks a huge range of AB Inflatables, along with inflatables from Aurora Adventure and Mercury Marine.

The AB Inflatables Navigo 15 VS performs best with single longshaft outboard engines between 50hp and 75hp. Fitted with the mid-range 60hp Mercury EFI four-stroke outboard engine, the package price for this model is $26,000.

The 60hp Mercury is a tiller-steer model, but it comes with an electric start and power trim and tilt.

Our test boat arrived sporting the standard features and equipment for this model including a deep-vee fibreglass hull with flat, diamond finish non-slip internal floor; cushioned bow seat/fuel tank compartment with vent; four alloy davit lifting points; double external rub rail; four two-stage inflation valves; stainless steel bow eye, towing rings and tie-downs; two deck drains; battery with master switch; five external Orca fabric carry handles (including one at the bow); eight internal Orca fabric grab handles; paddle and mounting point; fuel/water separating filter; heavy-duty keel protection strip; reinforced transom; hand inflation pump; maintenance kit; and more.

Factory options available for customising each boat include a cushion for the moulded front seat; boat cover; chock set (for storage); a fibreglass step on the bow with pop-up stainless steel cleat; removable rowing seats; and a bimini top.

You can also have several different helm consoles fitted with forward steering and remote controls, but that kind of defeats the purpose of this basic model.

If forward controls are important, shop instead for one of the console-equipped AB Nautilus or Alumina models.

The quoted price for this boat does not include a trailer, as most people will buy the AB Inflatables Navigo 15 VS for tender applications. That said, RIBForce can supply a single-axle (unbraked) Oceanic galvanised steel trailer for around $2000.

The AB Navigo 15 VS is built to meet the highest RIB standards, complete with inflatable tubes and carry/grab handles made from high quality (five-ply) Orca CSM coated fabric, generically known as Hypalon.

The Navigo hull has 480mm diameter tubes and a total of five air chambers for safety, and to ensure the boat remains unsinkable in the very unlikely event (given the rigid hull bottom) that a chamber is punctured.

The almost rectangular shape of the Navigo differs from some rival brands to provide more seating and storage space forward.

The bow is wide, squared-off to enlarge the forepeak area to incorporate a moulded seat that, incidentally, will be enlarged in future models to house the portable fuel tank.

In our test boat the 23-litre fuel tank needed to be secured within the boat's cockpit, albeit up forward below the bow seat.

Below the waterline the Navigo models have a fibreglass vee hull with a transom deadrise of around 18 degrees.

The bow's entry shape is naturally sharper to soften the ride into chop.

A full-length rubber keel guard/strip protects the hull bottom from scrapes and abrasions.

Between the hull bottom and the fibreglass deck/cockpit is a fibreglass stringer grid to provide the hull with structural strength and rigidity.

As with most AB inflatables models, the transom of the AB Inflatables Navigo 15 VS is reinforced with alloy and plastic engine mounting plates.

AB Inflatables and RIBForce are so confident in the quality and longevity of the Navigo and other AB models that a 10-year limited warranty is offered for recreational applications.

The interior layout in the AB Inflatables Navigo 15 VS is about as basic as it gets, but that's exactly how I would have it for tender applications.

When ferrying people and gear from the shore to a mothership you need open deck space, and lots of it.

Whilst you can option this model with cross thwart-type seats, I don't see the need. Those big, 480mm wide inflatable side tubes make for excellent seats and there are plenty of well-placed grab handles for passengers to hang onto should you encounter some choppy water from a cruiser wake or similar.

The overall cockpit internal length in the AB Inflatables Navigo 15 VS is 3.5 metres, or about 2.88 metres from the moulded bow seat to the transom wall. Across the boat there is about 970mm of internal space.

Given the length and space inside the AB Inflatables Navigo 15 VS, I'd be more than happy ferrying eight or nine people about (plus gear), although it is actually rated to carry 11 adults.

The Navigo 15 VS can easily double up for diving duties for three or four people plus air tanks and gear.

Normally I am not a fan of tiller-steer boats with big engines as they can be difficult to control and tiring after any length of time.

That said, Mercury's latest, user-friendly tiller-arm does make it easier to control larger size outboard engines such as the 60hp in-line four-cylinder four-stroke fitted to our test boat.

This new regular tiller arm (as opposed to the deluxe Mercury "Big Tiller" model) is sturdily made, solid and comfortable to use.

The rubber twist-grip throttle feels good in your hands; it's grippy without being sticky, and the diameter is spot-on. There's even an option for a heated throttle grip for operation in colder climates.

The Mercury tiller also has the power trim and tilt button on the end of the throttle lever for easy operation, along with an idle troll speed adjustment switch nearby.

The throttle also suits right or left-handed skippers as the gearshift lever can be switched to the other side of the tiller arm, and the throttle grip rotation can be reversed.

With Mercury's user-friendly tiller arm fitted to the test boat's Mercury 60hp outboard engine, I found the AB Inflatables Navigo 15 VS relatively easy to drive and control.

There was very little vibration felt through the tiller arm, and the steering felt smooth and direct through tight turns.

With its fibreglass vee hull, the AB Inflatables Navigo 15 VS is quite a sporty performer. You can carve sharp turns easily in this boat, or leap instantly onto the plane with an easy twist of the throttle. There is enough power and handling here for social tow sports.

Underway I was generally happy with the handling and ride of the AB Inflatables Navigo 15 VS, but I would consider fitting a wedge to the transom to gain a bit more negative trim from the outboard engine. This would allow the bow to drop down further to suit choppy conditions, and to optimise the trim angle to suit the number of people onboard.

The AB Inflatables Navigo 15 VS is rated for a single longshaft (20-inch) outboard engine through to 75hp, but it performs better than admirably with a 60hp. On smooth water with two adults onboard we recorded a top speed of 34.1 knots.

At a glance, the AB Inflatables Navigo 15 VS looks like any other inflatable RIB on the market. However, the Navigo is a premium model, made using the best construction methods and materials.

As a tender to a large sail or powered cruiser this AB Inflatables Navigo 15 VS is ideal. As a tender/sports/dive/adventure boat, this durable boating package is equally adept.

I reckon the AB Inflatables Navigo 15 VS is a first-rate little boat; it has plenty of deck space, a comfortable ride, 30 knot-plus performance, and safe, easy handling.

Priced from: $26,000 including an electric-start, tiller-steer 60hp Mercury EFI longshaft (20-inch) four-stroke outboard engine with power trim and tilt. Add $2000 for a single-axle Oceanic galvanised steel unbraked trailer.

Supplied by: RIBForce Inflatables