Achilles RV-180 2006 boat specs
Achilles
Achilles RV-180 2006
2006
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Achilles SU-18 2009 boat specs
Achilles
Achilles SU-18 2009
2009
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Achilles RV-180 2006 vs Achilles SU-18 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Achilles RV-180 2006 vs Achilles SU-18 2009 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-180 2006 at 18,0 ft versus Achilles SU-18 2009 at 18,0 ft. At 23 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 Achilles SU-18 2009 tops out at 90 hp. Engine specs for the Achilles RV-180 2006 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 SU-18 2009 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Achilles RV-180 2006 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Achilles SU-18 2009 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Achilles SU-18 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Achilles RV-180 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeAchilles
MakeAchilles
ModelRV-18
ModelSU-18
Model Year2006
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 0 in
Beam7 ft. 7 in. (230 cm) 3 ft. 7 in. (110 cm)
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches91
Weight - Detail230 lbs
Weight - Detail440 lbs. (199 kg)
Weight - kg104.33
Weight - kg199.58
Weight - lbs.23
Weight - lbs.44
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet18
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in. (549 cm)
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches216
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter24 in
Tube diameter24 in. (60 cm)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialInflatable
Hull typenot available
Hull typeInflatable Non Rigid
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Engine maxnot available
Engine max90 hp (long)
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity4,670 lbs. (2,120 kg)
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people11

Achilles RV-180 2006 vs Achilles SU-18 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Achilles RV-180 2006 or the Achilles SU-18 2009?
The Achilles SU-18 2009 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Achilles RV-180 2006 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Achilles RV-180 2006 or the Achilles SU-18 2009?
For trailering, the Achilles RV-180 2006 has the edge at 23 lbs dry weight versus 44 lbs for the Achilles SU-18 2009. 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 2009 has a documented max rating of 90 hp. Engine specifications for the Achilles RV-180 2006 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-180 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Achilles SU-18 2009 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 RV-180 2006 measures 96" wide, compared to 91" for the Achilles SU-18 2009. 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-180 2006 and Achilles SU-18 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Achilles RV-180 2006 and the Achilles SU-18 2009 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.