Inflatable Rescue Boats
Models and Specifications
In general there are two different materials from which inflatable boats are made, one being rubber. The major brand name on this is Hypalon, made by DuPont. The other fabric is PVC. It is important that a potential buyer understands the differences. It is sometimes too easy to make the mistake of considering only the price. A PVC boat will be cheaper initially, but eventually will pro ve not to be a good investment.
A nylon core is re-enforced with Hypalon R outside and two
layers of Neoprene inside.
Hypalon by DuPont has, over the years, proven to be the most suitable fabric for inflatable boats for the following reasons:
::Durability
::Resistance to damage from:
~ Exposure to oil and petrol
~ ultra violet rays from the sun
~ abrasion on sand and rocks
~ ozone ageing
If you are tempted by a PVC fabric inflatable, we would like to draw your attention to the following points which may ultimately effect your purchase satisfaction.
Because PVC is originally a rigid material as is used in PVC plumbing pipes, a plasticiser must be
added in order to make it flexible enough to build an expandable air-tube for an inflatable. Molecules
of plasticiser come in between those of PVC to loosen the tight bond of the PVC.
Look behind the seams. Achilles seams overlap by a full 2.5cm
and are then taped inside and outside. For extra safety.
When exposed to ultra violet rays from the sun, warm salt water or dirty water contaminated with oil or petrol, the plasticiser breaks down and loses it’s flexibility. PVC can revert to its original form, cracks may appear and the air retention capabilities are seriously affected.
If you see an Achilles logo on an inflatable, you don’t need to ask… Which Fabric?
All Achilles boats are made from DuPont Hypalon.
When you are in the market for an IRB for your Club, keep in mind that Achilles have been making inflatables for the Australian market since 1981.
Achilles has consistently won at least 12 out of 15 medals in the majority of IRB Championships.
So, check out the technical specifications, be assured that all Achilles IRB’s conform to SLSA specifications, and call any of your State stockiest for an updated price list and a delivery estimate.
All Interstate Achilles SLSA Dealers are appointed as qualified repair and maintenance service agents.
Some points of difference
The SSL-375 is known as the Pocket Rocket. This has the Achilles patented deep V keel which contributes to the fast speed. The longer pontoons to the rear of the transom greatly assist the acceleration from idling position to planning speed. The deep V avoids side slip while turning at high speed. The SSL-385 is longer and wider. The relatively fl at keel line and fabric floor combine to ensure an extremely smooth ride. The shorter and smaller pontoons to the rear of the transom
gives a much quicker response while turning. The slight increase in width increases stability in high seas. The RH-375 incorporates a GPR hull for ease of maintenance. It is ideal as the main patrol craft and is a manageable weight.
Based on the SSL-375, the rigid hull on the RH-375 delivers high performance with a revolutionary seperate transom to hull design.
SSL-385
This Unique deep V-Keel bottom provides good performance in high speed planing and quick cornering in rough seas without engine cavitation.
GLASS FOAM FLOOR:
The closed cell foam sandwich floor is proving to be one of the most important structural engineering material innovations for many years. The two main layers of the sandwich construction are light weight fibre glass materials.
The average weight of the SSL-375 floor is 22kgs and the SSL-385 floor is 25kgs.
The transoms are made from Australian Marine Ply.
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