Hypalon Inflatable Boat

I just became the hopeful owner of a Achilles LS4 hypalon inflatable boat. It is supposed to be 20 years old, so I am wondering if I can assume that it is still usable?

It has some patches, but other than that it does not look worn down. It has been stored away for a while, and only used for relatively short periods during a northern summer. Is there anything in particular I ought to do to prepare it for use? Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
45 auto: I'm going to check if it holds pressure, and also patch it and do other maintenance if necessary. I take your answer to mean that it holds pressure, then it is usable...

Hypalon is super tough and known to last for a really long time. Definitely do an air test over night to check for leaks. Stick close to shore initially... you will have a pretty good idea right off the bat if there are any issues. If you have no leaks the only other issue could be the material being worn thin from exposure to the elements. I would recommend getting a UV protectant spray which you can use to preserve the material from here on. Good luck!

2010-11-08 14:06:01 by John

With an advanced fiberglass hull shape, the RIB 350 is quick to plane and handles with ease. The V-section slices through chop or swell for a dry ...

Brand name.

2008-04-18 12:33:39 by GEORGE

Price: $2,299.00 $1,849.00

Easy to carry 25% lighter than wooden-floor inflatables
Passenger Handles for a safer ride
Sleek styling with plenty of interior roomwith a comfortable rowing position

i just got a mercury 340 air deck 2007 hypalon. y got a 2008 15 hp mercury 4 stroke. took it out for the first time, and every time i gave it more power, i did not move at all. someone toll me i was getting air. do i change the angle on the motor (had it in the 3rd hole) ? do i get dol fins for the motor? or what should i do?

is it actually engaging in gear?

is the prop in good condition?
if its obviosuly struck something, their may be a drive saver hub inside the prop which has done its job. sometimes those fail with no obvious signs of prop striking something.....
i am not sure if merc makes the drive saver in that small of a motor.

mounting height, if the cavitation plate (flat surface just above prop) is slightly under water, it should not be sucking air.
and while sucking air would certainly slow it down, it should still move the boat some unless it is really, really high.

if its too high, you dont need to change angle, you dont fins (which just slow the boat down more anyways with added drag). just drop the motor down one set of mounting holes (should be 3/4" apart) until cavitation plate is under the surface of the water.

if this vessel actually goes fast enough to get on plane, motor needs to be lower when stopped or at low speeds or it will be too high at high speeds.

2010-07-13 19:52:47 by xavier m

Available in several colors.
Made of sewn and glued Hypalon and Neoprene.
Add grab lines for safety.