- Events and Regattas
Chrome-Free Shield: The Radical Pretreatment Shaping the Future of Aluminum Tenders
A Half-Century of Vertical Integration
In an era where many marine brands have transitioned into mere assembly points for outsourced parts, AB Inflatables remains a defiant outlier. For over 50 years, the company has maintained a strict mandate: every boat is manufactured 100% in-house. From the initial hull lamination to the final rigging and inboard jet installations, the shipyard oversees every millimeter of production. This total control of the supply chain allows them to exceed certified industry benchmarks and reduce delivery timelines without sacrificing the consistency that has defined their 55-country reach.
The ORCA Hypalon Standard
The choice of materials at the AB factory is never a matter of cost-saving; it is a matter of survival in the marine environment. Every inflatable in their fleet is crafted using high-grade ORCA Hypalon rather than the standard PVC found on lesser tenders. Even their smallest 8-foot dinghies utilize a minimum 820-grade fabric, offering extreme resistance to UV rays, chemicals, and abrasion. This commitment to premium textiles ensures that the tubes remain flexible in extreme temperatures and are significantly easier to repair over a decades-long lifespan.
Forward Hull Physics
AB’s design team has recalibrated the traditional inflatable profile with their unique Forward Hull Design. By raising the bow and optimizing the hull geometry, these boats achieve planning speeds with less horsepower and virtually eliminate spray. This design logic results in a smoother, drier ride that allows the vessel to cut through wakes and chop that would swamp a conventional tender. It is a technical advantage that becomes immediately apparent the moment the throttle is engaged.
The Eco-Conscious Aluminum Shift
The 2024 redesign of the Alumina and Lammina lines showcases a gritty commitment to sustainable performance. Utilizing lightweight aluminum hulls, these RIBs consume less fuel and produce fewer emissions without a drop in performance. Furthermore, AB has pioneered a chrome-free pretreatment process for their powder-coating. This eco-friendly technology eliminates harmful hexavalent chromium, reducing hazardous waste while providing a superior barrier against corrosion for those operating in high-salinity waters.
Bespoke Superyacht Integration
For the megayacht owner, AB offers a level of customization that acts as a mirror to the mothership. Through their use of high-end Spradling upholstery and a wide array of gelcoat colors, the team can tailor the features and finishes of the Nautilus or ABJET lines to match the specific aesthetic of a larger vessel. Every boat also comes with a unique history report, providing complete traceability of materials and construction dates—a level of transparency that provides peace of mind for the most discerning clients.
The Miami Encounter
As the 2026 show season kicks off, AB Inflatables is deploying an impressive fleet at Booth MB1530, including the latest ABJET 390XP and the newly redesigned Alumina series. This display is a physical testament to a promise made in 1969: to build the best boats in the world. By fusing 50 years of experience with modern, sustainable technology, they have created a lineup that doesn’t just meet expectations—it defines the standard for the entire inflatable industry.
