NEW 2021 Achilles LSI-360E - Construction?

SoCalAngler · 17 January 2022, 01:56

Previous post....The 2011 Zodiac Class MK I deal didn't happen; owner never responded with pics.

My planned uses:

Taking with me on family camping trips (towing a travel trailer). Carry in my truck. Primarily fishing lakes and rivers. 4 adults on board. Some ocean: inshore, harbors, and bays. Will use a Honda 5hp, as it is light and easy for me to pick up and attach to boat. I will transport boat from campsite to launch area (towing short distances) using attached aftermarket launch wheels.

Now, I'm looking into an Achilles. Actually, I'm analyzing 3 boats.....

2022 Saturn FB 385 13' (with added inflatable floor): $1900.00

2021 Zodiac Cadet Aero Cadet 350 11'-6" (inflatable floor) $2500.00

2021 Achilles LSI-360E 11'-10" (inflatable floor) $3900

NOTES:
- All boats have 18" tubes.
- All boats have inflatable floors
- Zodiac and Saturn are heat welded
- Zodiac and Saturn are made with PVC

Questions....

1. How is Achilles constructed? Achilles claims it uses CSM fabric, but dealer claims it is made from Hypalon fabric. What is CSM fabric?

2. Is Achilles boat/fabric glued or heat welded?

3. What is quality of Achilles?

4. What is quality of Achilles' inflatable floor?

Comparison of these three boats?
Price, quality, durability, longevity, etc.?

Thanks!

cgoing · 17 January 2022, 12:53

CSM is the generic term for Hypalon. Hypalon was a name trade marked by Dupont whom has since stopped making it. Most "hypalon" fabrics are and have been the generic version of it.

Hypalon or CSM can only be glued but the glue typically does not dry out and fail over time as the PVC glue does. Achilles are and always have been top quality boats. I am not a dealer for them but as a service center we see many older ( 15 or more years ) Achilles coming in that are still holding up well. The Achilles airfloors tend to hold up fairly well. Achilles also have very user friendly valves.

In my opinion and based on experience, they are by far superior in every way to the other ones you are looking at.