When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Achilles FRB-104 2012 and the Achilles SU-18 2010 are inflatable non rigid designs with inflatable construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Achilles SU-18 2010 measures 18,0 feet overall (2010), giving it roughly 7,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Achilles FRB-104 2012 at 10,3 feet (2012). At 108 lbs and 44 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 90 hp, the Achilles SU-18 2010 has a 75-hp advantage over the Achilles FRB-104 2012's 15-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Achilles SU-18 2010 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Achilles FRB-104 2012 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Achilles SU-18 2010 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Achilles SU-18 2010 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 7 lbs per hp for the Achilles FRB-104 2012. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

The Achilles FRB-104 2012 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Achilles SU-18 2010 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.