The Achilles LSI-88 2006 vs Achilles SU-16 2007 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Achilles SU-16 2007 measures 16,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 8,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Achilles LSI-88 2006 at 8,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Achilles SU-16 2007 tips the scales at 375 lbs — 312 lbs less than the Achilles LSI-88 2006 at 63 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 75 hp, the Achilles SU-16 2007 has a 69-hp advantage over the Achilles LSI-88 2006's 6-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-16 2007 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Achilles LSI-88 2006 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-16 2007 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Achilles SU-16 2007 comes in at 5 lbs per hp versus 11 lbs per hp for the Achilles LSI-88 2006. 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.
Bottom line: Choose the Achilles SU-16 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Achilles LSI-88 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.