Hi Arthurc,
a. SIGNIFICANTLY more internal volume for the same external "footprint" (beam, length, tube diameter, etc.) than console-equipped inflatables. All that internal fiberglass in the console takes up a lot of space, reduces footroom, and precludes floorspace for crab and prawn pots, and additional passengers when required.
This.
Whenever I see a center console RIB under about 15 feet I wonder how people fit in it. The consoles and bench seat take up so much room it severely compromises the boat's usefulness, IMO.
We did a beach trip with some friends in the Bahamas this summer, they have a 14' Nourvania CC with a 35hp, we have an 11' Caribe with a 20hp tiller Suzuki, (stripped, not even a center seat). We fit in three people, two beach chairs, an umbrella, anchor and safety gear, a medium sized soft sided cooler, a bag with extra clothes and some food and a 90lb dog. We still planed and had a little extra room. They brought three people and a small cooler. The boat was packed and riding low in the water.
It was also hard to drag up onto the beach and awkward to get in and out of. It is more like a big PWC than a multi use boat.