Spotlight: AB Inflatables Alumina 14 ALX
The AB Inflatables Alumina 14 ALX is a deluxe model RIB with a side console layout and a deep vee aluminum hull. Super-yacht tender, bay runabout, sports boat; the Alumina 14 ALX is just the right size for all manner of boating activitiesThe Alumina 14 ALX is one of a vast range of rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) made by Columbia's AB Inflatables. The tenders and sports boats made by this leading RIB maker are respected and sold all around the world.
AB Inflatables makes both aluminium and fibreglass hulled RIBs, so boaters have a huge choice available; 60 or more models just in the recreational boat range. The boats range from just 2.0m in length right up to 8.5m – and include a series of jet-powered sports boats.
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During our recent full test of the fibreglass-hulled AB Nautilus 14 DLX, we were also able to sample one of the alloy-hulled models, the Alumina 14 ALX. This well-appointed RIB is one of nine different Alumina models between 2.9m and 5.5m. All models have a side console configuration with forward controls and an aft bench-box helm seat.
The 14 ALX sits roughly in the middle of the Alumina boat range. We think it is the most versatile of the Alumina models as it is small enough for tender applications, but big enough to use as a sports runabout or dive boat, etc.
We understand the 14 ALX is also the biggest Alumina tender made to suit a bow cradle or hydraulic platform for either a motor or sailing yacht.
Quality build
The AB Inflatables Alumina ALX has a deep vee aluminium hull with a welded underfloor stringer system topped by an aluminium deck/floor. Non-slip rubber panels are secured to the floor so you can move about the 3.3m long interior without slipping over.
The alloy hull is surrounded by four-chamber, 480mm diameter pontoon tubes made from the best quality ORCA (CSM) Hypalon fabric.
Five Orca fabric carry/lifting handles (one bow and four along the sides) are mounted externally, whilst two sets of grab handles at the bow and the stern give passengers a secure hand-hold when the boat is underway.
Interior layout
All Alumina models have an alloy deck but coupled with a fibreglass side console helm station, complete with a moulded front bench seat with padded cushion.
The console is fitted with a black fascia panel for the engine instruments and switching, along with a stainless steel steering wheel, short acrylic windshield and a surrounding grab rail.
There's dash space on top for a bracket-mounted electronics display, along with storage space inside the console.
You can access the console-mounted ship's battery and the wiring behind the helm by raising the front section of the console.
The removable fuel tank is mounted up in the bow, beneath a welded alloy seat with padded cushion. There's is no option for a built-in tank.
At the stern of the boat you'll find a full-width box-bench seat for the skipper and first mate. The large storage space inside is ideal for stowing safety gear, clothing, etc.
Power and performance
The AB Inflatables Alumina 14 ALX is designed to perform with a single, longshaft (20-inch) outboard engine between 40hp and 50hp. That said, the owner of our test boat had fitted a larger Mercury 60hp outboard by special arrangement with the dealer.
Flat-out, with the tachometer just touched 6000rpm, the smooth-running Mercury pushing the AB Inflatables Alumina 14 to a top speed of 29.5 knots. With the regular 50hp maximum power outboard engine I'd expect this speed to drop to 26-27 knots.
This is quick enough for social bay sports, and you'll still have ample power for tender applications to plane the hull with a boat-load of people onboard.
The Gold Coast's Coomera River was dead calm for our test run in the AB Inflatables Alumina 14 ALX, but we were able to carve figure-eight turns and jump over boat wakes to determine that the boat rides pretty comfortably and safely – just what you would expect from a quality-built RIB.
Price and equipment
The Gold Coast's RIBForce Inflatables has package prices for the AB Inflatables Alumina 14 ALX starting from $34,800 with a 40hp Mercury outboard engine.
Paired with a 50hp Mercury outboard engine and a range of options, the price rises to $35,990. Add $2K if you need a single-axle Oceanic unbraked galvanised steel trailer.
Some of the extra gear on the test boat included a Raymarine fishfinder/GPS; an Icom VHF radio and aerial; double arch stainless steel targa incorporating rod holders; ski hook; wakeboard rack and telescopic boarding ladder; Railblaza mounting pads (for cup holders, spear guns, bait boards, etc); and a boat cover.
Specifications
Model: AB Alumina 14 ALX
Hull: 4.27m
Beam: 2.00m
Hull weight: 167kg
Deadrise: 18 Degrees
Inside length: 3.3m
Inside width: 990mm
Tube diameter: 480mm
Maximum power: 50hp
Fuel: 24L (portable)
Passengers: Eight
Supplied by: RIBForce Inflatables
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