Achilles Inflatable Boats Review

Achilles Corporation (formerly Kohkoku Chemical Industry) was established in 1947 with the head office located in Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. They are industry leaders in the research, design, and production of synthetic materials (especially synthetic fabrics). Achilles Inflatable Boats is a part of Achilles USA, Inc, headquartered in Everett, Washington. The Inflatable Boats division has been a part of Achilles USA since its founding in 1973. Achilles Inflatable Boats are made from high-quality Hypalon, which is a durable synthetic rubber. This synthetic material is impervious to many chemicals, temperature extremes, and ultraviolet light. As a result, the boats produced by Achilles are known to be very durable and attractive.

Achilles offers a wide array of inflatable boats. They have dinghies, tenders, rigid hulls, sport boats, sport utility boats, commercial boats and river boats. Their boats vary in length from 7 to 18 feet, and vary in weight from 35 to 433 pounds. All of their boats come with a minimum 5-year warranty on the patented 4-layer Hypalon fabric.

Prices

New Achilles Air Floor boats start at $1,585. Aluminum models are priced starting at $1,836. New model Rigid Hull boats can be purchased for $2,048. Used Achilles Inflatable Boats are priced between $1,600 and $6,000.

Pros

• Variety: Achilles Inflatable Boats offers a comprehensive variety of small, inflatable boats with an assortment of customizable features, meaning that they have inflatable boats suitable for both casual boaters or for use as secondary transportation to a larger vessel.
• Quality: The four-layered fabric used to make Achilles Inflatable Boats leads the industry in durability and craftsmanship. Achilles prides itself on producing the highest-quality Hypalon fabric in the world using hand-glued synthetic materials coated with neoprene. Their fabric is unsurpassed in its ability to retain air and resist deterioration.
• Availability: Achilles inflatable boats are available over the internet and through retailers around the world.

Cons

• Expensive: Achilles Inflatable Boats are more expensive than many comparable inflatable boats. Achilles boats are typically sold without an engine and with a choice of floorings. The least expensive base models sell used for $1,600 dollars. The most expensive base models sell used for over $6,000. Achilles corporation justified the expense by pointing out that they invest more time into building what they believe is a superior product, and industry insiders seem to agree.

Featured Models

Dinghies (LT series)- These 2-4 person boats are the most portable and affordable of Achilles’ inflatable boats. Tenders (LS, LEX, LSR, LSI, and SPD series)- These 2-6 person boats range in size from 7 feet 6 inches to 12 feet 2 inches. Rigid Hulls (HB-DX and HB-LX series)- These 3-6 person boats have a fiberglass hull. Sport Boats (SGX and SG series)- These 5-8 person boats are ideal for recreational activities. Sport Utility Boats (SU series)- These 6-11 person boats are ideal for marine workers who need a reliable, quick boat to perform tasks close to shore. Commercial Boats (FRB, SU, and SG series)- These 4-11 person boats are the most rugged boats made by Achilles. They are specifically designed to meet the needs of emergency rescue crews. River Boats (KSB, RS, RV, and RV-SB series)- These 1-12 person boats are specifically designed for kayakers and white-water rafters.

Conclusion

Achilles offers a wide-array of industry-leading, inflatable boats. According to reviews, the quality of these boats is unsurpassed. There are some accounts of Achilles Inflatables surviving external piercings and remaining buoyant. Of course, this level of workmanship comes at a price, so you will have to decide if a high-quality inflatable boat is a worthwhile investment for you. If you answer yes, then Achilles boats merit serious consideration. If you only see yourself using your inflatable boat in gentle conditions, shop around to find a more affordable option.