Achilles LD4 dinghy

[IanJ]

I have just bought an Achilles LD4 to replace my aging leaky dinosaur. I only have a small Honda 2hp, but I notice when I put any power on, the engine gets pulled back towards the water ( prop going forward), probbably due to the lack of a transom, only a small engine mount instead. Anyone else seen this, or got a solution for it? The floor is a roll up type with three boards. Would it help to put a board right at the back to support rear?

 

[Rick D]

I have a soft tail Mercury that does exactly the same thing (when I rarely use it), and I'm old enough to be around when most inflatables were soft tail. They all did the same. Just be sure you have the tube inflated to the correct pressure and if so, don't concern yourself with it.

 

[Stephan]

The under-tuck can be minimized by inflating the tubes more.

Hi Ian and Rick,

Many folks run their inflatables with insuffient air pressure. Try it the way you would normally do it, then try "hyper-inflating" the tubes with as much pressure as you can get into the chambers with the foot pump. When your calf starts hurting from pumping, pump some more..... You will not compromise the seams, I promise.

Then see if you notice less tuck when under power. I'll bet you will.

In the words of SNL's Hanz and Franz....."you must pump it up".

It will not eliminate the tucking under completely, but it will minimize it. It is a characteristic of that style of boat, which is why a lot of folks go with solid transoms today and few Manufacturers build those donut-style boats any more.

Stephan

 

[Rick D]

Re: The under-tuck can be minimized by inflating the tubes m

Thanks! Yes, that's my experience. I'll try hyper-inflation next time. I was always a bit concerned with air pressure when I used inflatables exclusively.

 

[IanJ]

Thanks guys. Achiles tech support confirm this. Bigger puffs!!