Achilles RV-156SB-3T 2008 boat specs
Achilles
Achilles RV-156SB-3T 2008
2008
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VS
Achilles SU-18 2007 boat specs
Achilles
Achilles SU-18 2007
2007
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Achilles RV-156SB-3T 2008 vs Achilles SU-18 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Achilles RV-156SB-3T 2008 vs Achilles SU-18 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Achilles RV-156SB-3T 2008 at 15,0 ft versus Achilles SU-18 2007 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Achilles RV-156SB-3T 2008 tips the scales at 207 lbs — 163 lbs more than the Achilles SU-18 2007 at 44 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-18 2007 tops out at 90 hp. Engine specs for the Achilles RV-156SB-3T 2008 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Achilles RV-156SB-3T 2008 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Achilles SU-18 2007 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Achilles RV-156SB-3T 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Achilles RV-156SB-3T 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 15,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Achilles SU-18 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeAchilles
MakeAchilles
ModelRV-156SB-3T
ModelSU-18
Model Year2008
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam7 ft. 1 in. (216 cm)
Beam7 ft. 7 in. (230 cm)
Beam - Meters2.16
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Inches85
Beam - Inches91
Weight - Detail207 lbs. (94 kg)
Weight - Detail440 lbs. (200 kg)
Weight - kg93.89
Weight - kg199.58
Weight - lbs.207
Weight - lbs.44
Length - Feet15
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches6
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail15 ft. 6 in. (472 cm)
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in. (549 cm)
Length overall - Meters4.72
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches186
Length overall - Inches216
Body / Hull
Hull materialInflatable
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeInflatable Non Rigid
Hull typenot available
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter22 in. (56 cm)
Tube diameter24 in. (60 cm)
Operational Info
Maximum people12
Maximum people11
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity4,670 lbs. (2,120 kg)
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Engine maxnot available
Engine max90 hp (long)

Achilles RV-156SB-3T 2008 vs Achilles SU-18 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Achilles RV-156SB-3T 2008 or the Achilles SU-18 2007?
The Achilles SU-18 2007 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Achilles RV-156SB-3T 2008 comes in at 15,0 feet, making it roughly 3,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Achilles RV-156SB-3T 2008 or the Achilles SU-18 2007?
For trailering, the Achilles SU-18 2007 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 207 lbs for the Achilles RV-156SB-3T 2008. 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-18 2007 has a documented max rating of 90 hp. Engine specifications for the Achilles RV-156SB-3T 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 RV-156SB-3T 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Achilles SU-18 2007 is certified for 11. 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-18 2007 measures 91" wide, compared to 85" for the Achilles RV-156SB-3T 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 RV-156SB-3T 2008 and Achilles SU-18 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Achilles RV-156SB-3T 2008 and the Achilles SU-18 2007 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.