Achilles Corporation and Tohatsu America Corporation have agreed a new North American distribution structure for Achilles inflatable boats, with Tohatsu America taking responsibility for sales, distribution and after-sales support in the United States and Canada from 1 October 2026. Achilles will remain the designer and manufacturer of the boats, while Tohatsu America will become the customer- and dealer-facing distribution organisation across the two markets.
The change matters to owners and buyers of small inflatable craft because it brings Achilles boats into an established marine distribution and service network already handling Tohatsu outboards. The companies say the transition has been planned to maintain continuity for existing customers rather than reset dealer or warranty arrangements.
North American handover starts in October
Under the agreement, Tohatsu America will take over order processing, inventory management, logistics, warranty administration, dealer support, marketing and wholesale distribution. The handover covers both the United States and Canada and is due to take effect on 1 October.
Achilles says its existing warranties and technical support will continue through the transition. That continuity is significant for owners because inflatable-boat support often depends on access to model-specific parts, fabric repair knowledge and a functioning dealer network long after the initial purchase.
Achilles keeps design and manufacturing
The agreement does not transfer boat production to Tohatsu. Achilles Corporation will continue designing and manufacturing its inflatable range to its existing engineering and manufacturing standards, while Tohatsu America takes responsibility for getting those boats to dealers and supporting them after sale.
Achilles has supplied inflatable boats for recreational, commercial, military, law-enforcement and rescue use for decades. Its North American range spans compact tenders and roll-up boats through to larger work, rescue and river craft, keeping the partnership firmly within Leisure Boat Guide's small-craft remit.
A closer boat-and-outboard sales network
The arrangement also creates a more closely aligned route to market between an inflatable-boat manufacturer and an established outboard distributor. Tohatsu America already supports a nationwide dealer and service network for Tohatsu engines, giving the Achilles range access to a broader infrastructure for logistics, warranty administration and customer support.
For buyers, the practical test will be whether the new structure improves boat availability, dealer coverage and support response times. Both companies say strengthening those areas is a central aim of the partnership as Achilles moves into its next phase in North America.