Comments on AB

Are the GHS chocks you're using now the standard (2 pieces per side) bolted ones that come with the platform? I have these but thought the sliding ones would be helpful to add room to access stern lockers, etc.
Yes...but they can be slid as required as well. The nice thing is they can be slid apart to lower the dingy on the platform. My factory GHS lift does not go down as far as my dockmate's 55DB (same boat - with an extended, fixed platform) that had GHS cut his long fixed platform and install a lift last year.
 
I like the Yamaha. The zodiac we owned previously had a 40hp, the AB we have now is about a foot longer, don't remember the model number, so we went with the 50hp.

Had a recent issue with the fuel pick up hose that took for ever to find, but all resolved now.

For us the difference between the Zodiac and the AB is the ride. The ride is much better on the AB. We routinely run 8-10 miles at a time - makes a big difference.

The chocks we use are designed for the AB. Same company has Chocks specific for the AB and for the Zodiac. The chocks have cutouts for the chines on the hull, very happy with them.

I had the same chocks (zodiac) specific on the last boat. They are easily removeable if you want to have an open swim platform. Don't remember the brand name - could find out if your interested.




Chock.JPG
 
My only knock against AB is the surface rust on the stainless hardware after the first season. Not sure how other brands compare but I was surprised at parts like the steering wheel. Otherwise very happy with our AB.
 
My only knock against AB is the surface rust on the stainless hardware after the first season. Not sure how other brands compare but I was surprised at parts like the steering wheel. Otherwise very happy with our AB.

I agree. I think Carter and I have seen the same issue.
 
My only knock against AB is the surface rust on the stainless hardware after the first season. Not sure how other brands compare but I was surprised at parts like the steering wheel. Otherwise very happy with our AB.

Thanks, something I'll look out for
 
I’m building an AB 10 VS, with a 25 Suzuki, and a Highfield FCT console. It will go on our Meridian 391 with our newly installed Sealift we got a year ago. I was really torn between the AB 10 VS, and Highfield CL340. Our primary concern was space for our 2 dogs, which is why I wanted the Highfield FCT Console or similar.....or I woulda gone with an AB Mares. I didn’t like the Eurohelms, and the only other brands that seem to make a Eurohelm style helm are Zar and Gala.

The single biggest factor that sold us on the AB is simply that the floor on the AB is flat from tube to tube, and the Highfield floor is flat in the center, but then takes a sharp angle up towards the tubes......read: less floor space for the doggos.

I’m saving a ton of $$ by building the tender. Got sweet deals from:
—Defender.com: AB 10 VS
—Onlineoutboards.com: Suzuki DF25 (power tilt n trim)
—Nautical Ventures in West Palm : FCT Console
27315DBE-0B42-43ED-A177-2814FBA4AAC7.jpeg
9EA696FF-F666-4CEF-8B1D-322A0AC89B4B.jpeg
2FC3D688-8507-4A75-A4E1-4D7F06C83A46.jpeg
4363A9A7-2A4C-4A17-BF94-E8BEA17E6D2D.jpeg
 
I’m building an AB 10 VS, with a 25 Suzuki, and a Highfield FCT console. It will go on our Meridian 391 with our newly installed Sealift we got a year ago. I was really torn between the AB 10 VS, and Highfield CL340. Our primary concern was space for our 2 dogs, which is why I wanted the Highfield FCT Console or similar.....or I woulda gone with an AB Mares. I didn’t like the Eurohelms, and the only other brands that seem to make a Eurohelm style helm are Zar and Gala.

The single biggest factor that sold us on the AB is simply that the floor on the AB is flat from tube to tube, and the Highfield floor is flat in the center, but then takes a sharp angle up towards the tubes......read: less floor space for the doggos.

I’m saving a ton of $$ by building the tender. Got sweet deals from:
—Defender.com: AB 10 VS
—Onlineoutboards.com: Suzuki DF25 (power tilt n trim)
—Nautical Ventures in West Palm : FCT ConsoleView attachment 78729View attachment 78730View attachment 78731View attachment 78732
I've been really happy with my Achilles 350 Rib built up as a center console with components from defender. I have a 30 HP Honda with power tilt. There is way more floor space and it is way lighter than the molded in seats and console. Mine weighs in at around 450 lbs with 6 gallons of fuel.
 
Lots of great information here - thanks everyone
I didn't realize there were this many combinations to consider / choose from.

I looked at the AB today, it's a 2015 12' Mares with a 40 horse Yamaha , one major disadvantage I see is the center seat requires you to step over vs the Highfield more open seating
 
Lots of great information here - thanks everyone
I didn't realize there were this many combinations to consider / choose from.

I looked at the AB today, it's a 2015 12' Mares with a 40 horse Yamaha , one major disadvantage I see is the center seat requires you to step over vs the Highfield more open seating


That being the case.....If you don't mind the floor on the Highfield (angled up to the tubes like you see in my photo above) than I would go with the Highfield with the FCT Console. If you want the flat floor, and fiberglass....then I'd get the AB and put a Highfield FCT Console, or one of the standalone steering consoles that AB offers.

Yep, lots of choices, lol.
 
We have an AB 10’ with a 20 hp Yamaha 4 stroke. We are very happy with both the AB and Yamaha. We have a lab and a lab mix. I agree with the previous comments on the flat fiberglass deck which is great with the furry mates.

This is my 4th Yamaha motor and each one has been excellent. I can not say the same for my previous experience with Mercury marine products. The only issue with the AB is what was mentioned by others with the stainless eyes and it’s really not a big deal. It’s also quite easy to replace the stainless bow & stern eyes. I have had Quicksilver and Achilles inflatables previously. By far the AB is the best one.
I would definitely buy one again
Good luck
 
We have an AB 10’ with a 20 hp Yamaha 4 stroke. We are very happy with both the AB and Yamaha. We have a lab and a lab mix. I agree with the previous comments on the flat fiberglass deck which is great with the furry mates.

This is my 4th Yamaha motor and each one has been excellent. I can not say the same for my previous experience with Mercury marine products. The only issue with the AB is what was mentioned by others with the stainless eyes and it’s really not a big deal. It’s also quite easy to replace the stainless bow & stern eyes. I have had Quicksilver and Achilles inflatables previously. By far the AB is the best one.
I would definitely buy one again
Good luck

Thank you for that feedback as well
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,942
Messages
1,422,695
Members
60,926
Latest member
dander88
Back
Top