AB UL 9 vs Achilles HB 270 fx

[_ODIN]

Looking for some feedback on the AB UL 9 and Achilles HB 270 fx. Any ideas on which will plane easier with two adults? Also thoughts on construction quality and durability?
Thanks,
Dave

[BobH260]

I bought an AB UL9 last season. Very light easy to manhandle alone. I put a Tohatsu 6 on it. It could not plane the boat with a load of 200 lbs. I had it reproped still no joy. This winter I'll use a 9.9 Merc 2 stroke on it. I really like the dinghy, quite deep. A bit too deep in the bow stepping into it. I may build a step with some spray foam and an aluminum plate to provide a flat step. It rows better than expected. Seems to be very well made. I pumped it up in January and did not add any air until I left it in May.
Bob


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[marlinmike]

Shorter rafts like the 9' and lower typically don't plane all that well unless a good amount of HP launches it on plane, if you can fit it a 10 1/2 would be better served.

[BobH260]

Originally Posted by marlinmike

Shorter rafts like the 9' and lower typically don't plane all that well unless a good amount of HP launches it on plane, if you can fit it a 10 1/2 would be better served.

I agree. I once owned an 11' Mercury air deck, it would plane with a 4 hp 2 stroke ! Get the bigger RIB if you can deal with the size and weight.

Bob

[steamgoat]

I have a AB UL9 with a old ['87] Johnson 8hp , With one person it does 17mph with two people 15 mph [not LARGE adults]