Kudos to INFLATABLE BOATS - ACHILLES BRAND

[TheThunderbird]

To the CF community.

Being in the process of buying a very old ACHILLES SR-124 in Italy, l had deep concerns about durability, pre-order surveys and possible areas of concern...

Well, this is to witness the tip top support received through their Web Manager:

Brently Dunivant
Web Manager
2900 Golf Course Dr
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 644-6290 x107

This is what they wrote to me in the same day!

"
Hi Gian,

I am to assume you are attempting to purchase a used Achilles SR-124 and have it shipped to Italy? Where is this boat located in the States? If it is near us here in Ventura, CA, maybe the seller could bring it in to our shop to have it tested and evaluated. That would run $55 to $110 to do a full water leak and air leak test, as well as checking out all of the valves. If the seller is unwilling to pay this, you could probably pay us through PayPal for this service and we could provide you the report on the boat.

Otherwise, if the boat is too far out of our area to do an examination, then the important things to investigate are below:

1. Full Leak Test to the Chambers (tubes blown up to full pressure, then all seams are sprayed with soapy water and extensive bubbling indicates a leak).

2. Full Water Leak Test (boat is put on a stand and water is filled into the hull to see if any leaks are present).

3. All Valves are checked to make sure the rubber pieces are in good shape.

4. Pressure check over time (Fill tubes completely and let sit for at least 48 hours, even better 7 days. If no loss occurs, then the chambers are holding well. A new boat should hold air for minimum 1-2 weeks, preferably 4-8 weeks. A used boat should hold air for at least a week to be considered in good shape).

We've had early 1980's Achilles in our shop that had never even been patched and looked like brand new boats, so these boats can definitely last and when treated well, they can be 30-50 year boats. Typically, we say they are 20-30 year boats for average use. Let me know if you have any other questions.
"

When asked for technical specs about a fuel pump, l was answered by the Italian distributor that they support dealers only !

MAGA is ON