I've been wanting to purchase a boat of some kind for some time. After thinking through what I want to do in the short term, I've decided to purchase an inflatable.
I've narrowed my choices down to a variety of Achilles models, specifically the SPD 365, SGX 132, SG 124 or 140. (I considered the LSI 365, but since I plan to take my two dogs along, decided that probably wouldn't be the best option.)
I want to be able to head out to a lake or the coast with the boat and dogs and do some exploring, camping, hiking, photography, etc. for a week or two at a time, if not longer.
Does anyone have any thoughts as to the various models I'm considering? Any major difference between the SPD, SG and SGX models? The Achilles web site lists the SG models as "top of the line", but what does that mean relative to the SPD and SGX models? The SPD is listed as a "tender" and the SGX along with the SG, as "sport" models.
They are all hypalon, so that isn't a deciding factor. From what I can tell, the major differences are internal length/beam, load capacity, and outboard HP capacity. I'm looking at either 25 or 30 HP, max. Achilles recommends 25 HP max on the SPD with all of the others capable of handling 30+ HP. I contacted Achilles customer service but didn't really receive any useful information.
I want to spend more time exploring the Pacific Northwest, BC and Southeast AK. (Lived in SE AK for six months with my two dogs and loved it. Drove up to Prince Rupert with the pups and then took the ferry to Juneau. Returned via ferry to Vancouver Island and back south to CA. Absolutely mesmerizing country!)
I've spent a lot of time traveling, hiking, and camping around the Pacific Northwest and Canada (primarily motorcycle, truck, and train) and love that entire area. Having the option of taking an inflatable would open up a whole other realm of possibilities for exploration. Given the rural/wilderness nature of these areas, any inflatable has to be relatively reliable/dependable.
Sorry for the length of this, but any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I've narrowed my choices down to a variety of Achilles models, specifically the SPD 365, SGX 132, SG 124 or 140. (I considered the LSI 365, but since I plan to take my two dogs along, decided that probably wouldn't be the best option.)
I want to be able to head out to a lake or the coast with the boat and dogs and do some exploring, camping, hiking, photography, etc. for a week or two at a time, if not longer.
Does anyone have any thoughts as to the various models I'm considering? Any major difference between the SPD, SG and SGX models? The Achilles web site lists the SG models as "top of the line", but what does that mean relative to the SPD and SGX models? The SPD is listed as a "tender" and the SGX along with the SG, as "sport" models.
They are all hypalon, so that isn't a deciding factor. From what I can tell, the major differences are internal length/beam, load capacity, and outboard HP capacity. I'm looking at either 25 or 30 HP, max. Achilles recommends 25 HP max on the SPD with all of the others capable of handling 30+ HP. I contacted Achilles customer service but didn't really receive any useful information.
I want to spend more time exploring the Pacific Northwest, BC and Southeast AK. (Lived in SE AK for six months with my two dogs and loved it. Drove up to Prince Rupert with the pups and then took the ferry to Juneau. Returned via ferry to Vancouver Island and back south to CA. Absolutely mesmerizing country!)
I've spent a lot of time traveling, hiking, and camping around the Pacific Northwest and Canada (primarily motorcycle, truck, and train) and love that entire area. Having the option of taking an inflatable would open up a whole other realm of possibilities for exploration. Given the rural/wilderness nature of these areas, any inflatable has to be relatively reliable/dependable.
Sorry for the length of this, but any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.