Achilles RS-140 2008 boat specs
Achilles
Achilles RS-140 2008
2008
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VS
Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012 boat specs
Achilles
Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012
2012
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Achilles RS-140 2008 vs Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012: A Close Look at Two Inflatable Boats

Both the Achilles RS-140 2008 and the Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012 are inflatable designs, both built in inflatable, so 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?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Achilles RS-140 2008 at 14,0 ft versus Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012 tips the scales at 371 lbs - 257 lbs less than the Achilles RS-140 2008 at 114 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 Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012 tops out at 75 hp. Engine specs for the Achilles RS-140 2008 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.

Both boats are rated for 9 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

The Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012 is an inflatable design - lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Achilles RS-140 2008 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.

Bottom line: The Achilles RS-140 2008 and Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeAchilles
MakeAchilles
ModelRS-140
ModelSU-16 Commercial
Model Year2008
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam6 ft. 8 in. (203 cm)
Beam6 ft. 9 in. (206 cm) 3 ft. 3 in. (100 cm) inside
Beam - Meters2.03
Beam - Meters2.06
Beam - Inches80
Beam - Inches81
Weight - Detail114 lbs. (52 kg)
Weight - Detail371 lbs. (168.5 kg)
Weight - kg51.71
Weight - kg168.28
Weight - lbs.114
Weight - lbs.371
Length - Feet14
Length - Feet16
Length overall - Detail14 ft. 0 in. (427 cm)
Length overall - Detail16 ft. (488 cm)
Length overall - Meters4.27
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches168
Length overall - Inches192
Length [deck]not available
Length [deck]10 ft. 10 in. (330 cm) inside
Body / Hull
Hull materialInflatable
Hull materialInflatable
Hull typeInflatable Non Rigid
Hull typeInflatable Non Rigid
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter20 in. (51 cm)
Tube diameter21 in. (53 cm)
Number of tubesnot available
Number of tubes5 air chambers and keel
Operational Info
Maximum people9
Maximum people9
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity3,170 lbs. (1,440 kg)
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Engine maxnot available
Engine max75 hp, long

Achilles RS-140 2008 vs Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Achilles RS-140 2008 or the Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012?
The Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012 is the longer of the two at 16,0 feet overall. The Achilles RS-140 2008 comes in at 14,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer - the Achilles RS-140 2008 or the Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012?
For trailering, the Achilles RS-140 2008 has the edge at 114 lbs dry weight versus 371 lbs for the Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012 has a documented max rating of 75 hp. Engine specifications for the Achilles RS-140 2008 were not available in our database - check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Achilles RS-140 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012 is certified for 9. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012 measures 81" wide, compared to 80" for the Achilles RS-140 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Achilles RS-140 2008 and Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Achilles RS-140 2008 and the Achilles SU-16 Commercial 2012 are built by Achilles. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.