New 2009 Achilles Inflatable Boats

ALL HYPALON®. ALL THE TIME. THAT’S ACHILLES INFLATABLES

Every Achilles boat is made with our own proven four-layered fabric reinforced with DuPont Hypalon. We are one of the few inflatable boat companies that manufacture our own Hypalon fabric, and have for over 30 years. This insures consistent quality year-to-year and boat-to-boat.


No fabric is more effective in resisting damage from the elements, oil, gasoline or abrasions. And nothing is better for air retention than the interior Neoprene® coating used by Achilles Inflatables.


So we take the extra time Hypalon hand-gluing requires to insure that unsurpassed quality, safety and durability are built into every Achilles, from our smallest dinghy to our largest utility boat. Achilles boats are certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association as adhering to federal regulations and rigid industry standards established by the U.S


Achilles Inflatable Boats Last Longer with Hypalon

Hypalon® has been used for over 40 years in many diverse synthetic rubber applications because of its broad assortment of valuable properties. Whether it is used as a protective
coating for fabrics, hose and tubing in automobiles, or single ply roofing, Hypalon will effectively resist abrasion, chemicals and the weather to last longer than other materials. Fabrics with an attractive coating of Hypalon are weather- and waterresistant, rugged ... yet are lightweight and easy to handle. All these qualities make it perfect for use on inflatable boats. Colorful coated fabrics made with Hypalon are used for hatch and boat covers, radomes, inflated structures, and are ideal for quality awnings, boating garb, convertible tops and other consumer products.


The properties of Hypalon may be
summarized as: Colorability Coatings of Hypalon can be brightly and permanently
colored, and have excellent resistance to microbiological attack. Under actual exposure
conditions (Florida exposure station), coated fabric samples of Hypalon were weathered for more than 10 years without any noticeable discoloration.


Superb ozone and weather resistance

Natural aging or oxidation of rubber products is accelerated out of doors by the sun’s heat and ultraviolet rays. Tests show Hypalon has a slow rate of oxidation degradation.


Resistance to environmental attack

Properly compounded Hypalon® is not attacked by microorganisms and will not promote the growth of mold, mildew, fungus and bacteria. Outdoor exposure tests of coated fabrics as well as laboratory tests, conducted according to specification MIL-F-13927-A, substantiate this resistance to microbiological attack.


Resistance to staining and soiling

Controlled soiling tests run on samples of coated fabric show that properly compounded Hypalon is highly resistant to dirt pickup, both from atmospheric deposits and from abrasive contact with soiling agents. This is because deposits that are left on the surface of Hypalon can normally be removed by soap and water. Where necessary, detergents, dry-cleaning fluids, bleaches and other cleansing agents can be used without fear
of damage. Inflatable Boats Made with Hypalon® Last Longer


Durability

Because of their resilience and abrasion resistance, parts made of Hypalon possess good resistance to impact, crushing, cutting, gouging and other kinds of physical abuse. The broad utility of Hypalon is based in large part on its performance in the many mechanical properties that are desirable in a rubber product. Tests confirm the good resistance of Hypalon to wear and abrasion.


Oil, grease and solvent resistance

Hypalon, when properly compounded, is highly resistant to attack by hydrocarbon oils and fuels. It is also useful in contact with oils at elevated temperatures.