Achilles

Japanese inflatable boats and RIBs made from homemade CSM fabric.

Achilles Achilles Corporation is a Japanese company that began in Tokyo in 1947, producing rubberised fabric for rainwear. In 1961, the first inflatable boats for the European market followed; in 1973, the company established its own branch in Everett, Washington; and from 1977 onwards, the company began manufacturing boats from CSM fabric, better known as Hypalon. Achilles weaves and coats this fabric itself, which is exceptional in this market. The seams overlap by more than two centimetres and are taped on both the inside and outside, and the fabric and seams are covered by a five-year warranty.

The range extends from small roll-up dinghies to heavy-duty workboats. The LSI series forms the core of the range, with models from about 2.3 to 3.6 metres and a removable drop-stitch air floor. It also includes the LT and LS dinghies, the SPD and LSR tenders, and the classic LEX range. The RIBs are part of the HB series with a fibreglass hull, available in the FX, LX and DX versions, whilst the SG, SGX, FRB and SU models are designed for professional use. The boats are intended as dinghies, fishing boats, and rescue or work boats.

Facts & figures

• Part of the Achilles Corporation in Tokyo, founded in 1947
• Has been building inflatable boats since 1961 and has been using CSM fabric since 1977
• Manufactures the boat cover in-house, which is unusual for this market
• The LSI series ranges from approximately 2.3 to 3.6 metres
• The HB series comprises RIBs with fibreglass hulls, available in FX, LX and DX versions
• Offers a five-year guarantee on the fabric and seams