AB inflatable

[CampDavid]

Can anybody comment on the differences in AL and UL models of AB inflatables. In particular is the hull shape different, is the hypalon material different and tube sizes .

Which is drier and which planes better in a rolling sea way.

Thanks

David

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[SailRedemption]

The UL doesn't have a double bottom, so when you stand inside it you standing on the angled hull. Whereas the AL is double floored so it is flat. The UL is the ultralight so it obviously weighs less. Also, I believe when I bought my AL it can hold one size engine bigger, 15hp and the UL is I believe limited to 10 or 12 but I could be mistaken.

Other than that, they are both the same hull thickness and tube size and material. Both are incredibly lite my 9AL is I believe 90lbs.

[Privilege]

The UL has a different shape hull too. Looking at it from the side, the collar on the AL rides much higher off the water providing for a drier ride.

[CampDavid]

Thanks I am leaning toward a 9.5 al or a 10ul. I have 15 hp Yamaha 2 stroke.

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[Cheechako]

My old AB was double floor. I don't see the advantage much, it's heavy and water gets in between the floors. I had a 15 hp engine also and it would fly. One day I couldn't get u on plane. I finally figured out that the cavity between floors was full of water... that's a lot of water!

[DotDun]

A word of caution if you've never had a single floor dinghy. My last one was such and for the 3 years I owned it, the admiral complained constantly about how hard it is to get in/out of from both the sail boat transom and a floating dock. The steep angle of the hull twists your ankle pretty good as you try to gain footing during boarding. Hence, I now have a double floor aluminum (not AB). Double floor fiberglass is heavy and, as mentioned, holds water.

[SailRedemption]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

My old AB was double floor. I don't see the advantage much, it's heavy and water gets in between the floors. I had a 15 hp engine also and it would fly. One day I couldn't get u on plane. I finally figured out that the cavity between floors was full of water... that's a lot of water!

It's no longer like this, the back end of the double bottom is open. On ours, with the forward locker, it's open in the locker and back by the transom, which is convenient for running hose or wires. But agreed that would be a pain if it was hard to drain water! Good thing the redesigned it.