2021 AB Inflatables Profile A18 Centre Console review

A world leader in rigid inflatable boats, Colombia-based AB Inflatables produces a wide range of fibreglass- and alloy-hulled RIBs from 2.0 metres to 8.5 metres in length. 

The side and centre console tender-sized craft are the best sellers for this established boat brand; you'll find AB Inflatables' RIBs sitting on mothership foredecks and in superyacht garages worldwide.

But AB Inflatables don't just make tenders; this progressive boat maker also builds larger craft for commercial and heavy-duty recreational marine applications. 

These tough, overbuilt RIBs are marketed under the Profile model name. 

In the Profile F series, there are seven fibreglass-hulled professional-grade RIBs between 4.27 metres and 8.23 metres long. 

The aluminium-hulled Profile A-series boats stretch from 3.5 metres to 5.49 metres. Customers have a choice here between the shallow water, moderate-vee AS series boats or the standard A-series models that have a deep vee alloy hull bottom. 

Our subject for this review is the largest of the alloy-hulled Profile A-series boats, the A18 Centre Console, paired with a 115hp Mercury SeaPro four-stroke outboard engine. 

Our test boat was bound for SEQ Water, the Queensland government department responsible for supplying drinking water to southeast Queensland, along with water catchment (dam) management and monitoring, and flood mitigation. 

A day or so before SEQ Water taking delivery of its new craft – it is is destined for a working life on the dams/catchments – we received a call to join AB Inflatables' dealer, RIB Force Inflatables, for a water test.

Rigid-hulled inflatable boats are generally more expensive than regular alloy and fibreglass monohulls, commanding a price premium of twenty per cent or more. 

Step up to a commercial or professional grade RIB such as the Profile A18, and you can expect another price hike as these heavy-duty craft, using higher-grade materials, fixtures and fittings throughout, take longer to build. 

Paired with a 90hp Mercury extra-longshaft (25-inch) four-stroke outboard engine with hydraulic steering, the AB Inflatables Profile A18 Centre Console has a starting price of around $92,000 from RIB Force Inflatables – add $6800 for a galvanised steel trailer. 

Included in the price is the heavy-duty RIB construction, along with the alloy centre console helm station with remote controls; plexiglass windshield; stainless steel steering wheel; battery storage compartment, and front storage box/seat; welded bow storage box/anchor well; double-width helm lean-seat/storage box; stern bench seat/storage box; reinforced alloy transom with cockpit scupper drainage system; gas-strut support hatch/seat lids; external tube life-line; Orca (CSM) fabric grab handles and non-slip on tube surface; double solid rub rail; three-layer reinforced seams; LED navigation lights; four alloy davit lifting points; auto bilge pump; fuel filter; waterproof rocker switches with circuit breakers; tinned wiring and heat shrink sealed terminals; welded alloy tie-downs and towing eyes; and more.

Our test boat package was paired with the larger 115hp Mercury SeaPro four-stroke outboard engine, along with a custom bimini top; Garmin Echomap 65cv display; Icom VHF radio; courtesy deck lighting; cup holders; flashing lights (for law enforcement); clipboard holders; and mounts and holders for mobile phones and tablets. 

With the above additions (some of which are unique SEQ Water requirements) the package price rises to roughly $110,000, or about $117,000 with an Oceanic trailer. 

Regular AB Inflatables models are already built tough, but the Profile series boats step up further to meet the demands of commercial operators. 

The Profile A18's marine-grade deep-vee alloy hull, for example, is reinforced to cope with the rigours of landing on rocky foreshores, coral reefs or concrete boat ramps. 

Gusseted, reinforced aluminium stringers stretch the length of the hull to increase rigidity, while the transom is heavily braced with three welded alloy knees/gussets to counter the forces of high-powered engines, and to brace the hull should the outboard engine's drive leg strike an underwater object. 

The flotation tubes lining each side of the hull are also upgraded; the five-chamber, 560mm diameter tubes are made from military-grade 1670 dtex Orca 866 (CSM) coated fabric to provide increased strength, scratch and abrasion resistance, and flotation to Australia's Level flotation standard. 

Elsewhere you'll find lifting and towing eyes are positioned vertically to stop them from bending, while sub-floor aluminium fuel tanks are NMMA certified. 

Apart from a couple of changes to the interior to suit SEQ Water requirements, the layout of our test boat is essentially standard.

With broad tubes on each side of the boat, at about 1.3 metres the interior usable width is narrower compared with a conventional hull. That said, there is ample space around the console, and at the bow and stern, to move about.

In the forepeak is a large, fully-welded anchor/storage locker. It is elevated above the floor and covered with a non-slip paint finish. Climbing in and out of the boat from the bow is made easier with this platform. 

The platform is reinforced so you can stand on it to survey the surroundings. Anglers would use this elevated deck as a casting platform.

Add an optional clip-on cushion, and this forward platform can also be rigged as a bench seat. 

A forward-facing cushioned seat is located in front of the centre console, above a storage box.

The helm console itself is relatively narrow, but the steering wheel and controls are offset to the port side so you can squeeze a second person into the space alongside the skipper when standing or sitting on the fixed position lean-seat/storage box.

Console features include a chart/paper tray beneath the plexiglass windscreen, provision for the included compass, and space on the plain alloy fascia for engine instruments, switching, and a modest-sized multifunction display.

The storage cupboard beneath the console in the test boat was used to house the engine starting battery, and for general storage. 

Behind the helm leaning seat post there is 600mm or so of self-draining cockpit floor extending aft to a full-width storage box/bench seat. 

Recreational customers, especially anglers, would probably forego this rear seat box in favour of additional fishing or move-about space. 

Conversely, commercial operators may see the aft seat box as a practical inclusion because it provides more storage and seating space.

Mind you, it is quite comfortable to perch on the large diameter flotation tubes that sit roughly 540mm above the cockpit floor. 

I should note also that standard AB Inflatables Profile A18s come with SeaDek foam rubber flooring panels throughout the interior; SEQ Water opted for a basic non-slip paint finish over the sturdy alloy deck. 

The space behind the aft bench seat is not really usable as it doubles as an outboard splash well/bilge compartment and contains mechanical gear such as the fuel filter, steering/throttle linkages and fuel lines.

Our test boat was also outfitted with a "whale-gusher" style manual bilge pump required for commercial applications. 

Rigid hull inflatable boats are among the safest, most seaworthy of all hull types on a size-for-size basis. These craft are smooth-riding, incredibly stable and well mannered.

The only real negative to a RIB is the low freeboard; you could fall out of one easily enough in rough offshore seas, or due to unexpected steering or throttle movements made by an inexperienced skipper. 

That said, few larger size RIB buyers are novice boaters – these craft are generally bought by experienced recreational boaters and commercial operators. In such adept hands, RIBs similar to the AB Inflatables Profile A18 are exceptionally safe and capable craft. 

On the water our AB Inflatables Profile A18 proved its mettle, tackling inshore chop and boat wakes with aplomb. The deep vee alloy hull cuts easily through oncoming waves, whilst maintaining excellent stability and balance.

In heavy bay chop, I would expect the AB Inflatables Profile A18 to take a little spray on board, but during our sea trial in calm conditions, the boat stayed dry through a range of low and high-speed manoeuvres. 

The Profile A18 is no high-performance sports boat, but it does have the ability to take tight turns with safety and security.

The Profile A18 is rated for a single extra-longshaft outboard engine between 90hp and 115hp. Our test boat was paired with the larger-size option, which I would recommend for commercial applications. 

I believe the AB Inflatables Profile A18 could actually handle a little more power, as our test boat achieved a relatively modest top speed of 32.2 knots with two adults onboard.

Thankfully, the test boat was not lacking in acceleration or power through the mid-rev range, so I expect it was propped more for load-carrying than for outright top speed. 

Performance

Verdict

AB Inflatables' Profile series models are proven, hard-working, capable RIBs; that's why they are popular with commercial operators worldwide. 

The flagship AB Inflatables Profile A18 is a particularly fine craft, built tough to handle the rigours of everything from professional fishing and diving to offshore search and rescue work. 

I believe the crew at SEQ Water will be pretty happy with their new toy. 

Specifications
Model: AB Inflatables Profile A18
Hull length: 5.49m
Beam: 2.4m
Deadrise: 22 degrees
Inside length: 4.47m
Inside width: 1.3mm
Hull weight: 390kg 
Tube diameter: 530mm
Weight on trailer: 1100kg (est)
Maximum power: 115hp
Engine as tested: 115hp Mercury SeaPro four-stroke
Fuel capacity: 120L
Flotation standard: Level
Maximum persons: 15 

Priced from: About $92,000 with a 90hp Mercury extra-longshaft (25-inch) four-stroke outboard engine with hydraulic steering. Add $6800 for an Oceanic galvanised steel trailer with mechanical brakes.

Price as tested: About $110,000 including an engine upgrade to the Mercury SeaPro 115hp extra-longshaft (25-inch) four-stroke outboard with hydraulic steering; custom bimini top; Garmin GPS 65 CV display; Icom VHF radio; courtesy deck lighting; cup holders; flashing lights (for law enforcement); clipboard holders; mounts/holders for mobile phones/IPads. $117,000 with the Oceanic trailer.

Supplied by: RIBForce Inflatables

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