Achilles LSI-290 Inflatable Floor
I have an Achilles LEX 9'-6" wood floor inflatable and the Achilles LSI-96 with the inflatable floor. The LSI 290 is the newer version of the LSI-96. I've used an 8hp motor on both of them. My motor is a 2 cycle so it's a little lighter than the 4 cycle motors currently in production. Both of my inflatables handled the 8hp with no problems. I was a bit concerned about using the maximum rated hp motor that Achilles recommended for those inflatables because I feared the transom to tube attachment might be pushed to its limit. Happy to report that my 1988 LEX has held up just fine an I expect the LSI-96 will be at least as good. Achilles has replaced the wood transom with fiberglass and beefed up the connection detail at the main tubes. There is ample power and they easily plane with two people and some gear aboard. I also have a 5hp 2 cycle which can get the inflatables up on plane with one person but not with two. The inflatable floor is so much easier to assemble and fold up for storage. As far as quailty, it's difficult to beat an Achilles brand inflatable.