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18
Mar
2019
Modern inflatable boats have broadly two types of tube construction material, chlorosulfonated polyethylene being one (more commonly know by its trademark name of Hypalon) which is noted for its resistance to chemicals, temperature extremes and ultraviolet light. It is highly durable, waterproof and designed for extreme use. Seams on Hypalon boats are glued and they appear flat in profile.
The other material used is PVC which stands for polyvinyl chloride. A cheap and popular choice for inflatable boats, it is a multi-layer fabric, new technology has made PVC a much more rugged and reliable material than what was experienced some twenty years ago. Seams on PVC boats are mainly heat welded. They are 'thicker' in profile than Hypalon boats. Occasionally the seams are covered with a strip of material which makes it difficult to see the heat welded seam.
Hypalon has potentially greater longevity than PVC if the boat will be subjected to prolonged periods of direct sunlight and no measures have been taken to protect the PVC fabric from the sun (e.g. boat cover or UV Protectant). However, in many ways these materials are very similar as modern technology and improvements of PVC (such as special chemical additives) are reducing the difference. The most important of which are temperature resistances. It makes Hypalon preferable in hot climate areas although PVC is also very useful there, but more care is needed to your boat. In medium and cold climate areas this difference is less.
There is a third option, PU (Polyurethane), which is the relatively ‘new kid’ on the fabric block which has high levels of wet and dry abrasion resistance combined with high-tensile strength. The price is comparable to good quality Hypalon but considerably more expensive than PVC fabrics. PU is currently manufactured in a limited range of colours compared to the wide range of colours available with Hypalon and PVC.
The 2019 the Brig Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) range feature ORCA Hypalon tube fabric as standard. Until now this had been an optional alternative to HEYtex tube fabric. Ribeye, Zodiac and Highfield RIB offer Hypalon or PVC tube fabrics although some restrictions apply to their model range.
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