Difference between PVC and Hypalon tubes for inflatable boats
If you have a RIB or inflatable boat, or are planning to buy one, the choice of tube material is extremely important. Many boat owners wonder what exactly the difference is between PVC and Hypalon. That difference determines how long your boat will last, how much maintenance it needs, and how well it withstands sun, salt and other weather influences.
What is PVC?
PVC is a plastic to which plasticisers are added to make it flexible. This makes it ideal for inflatable boats. It is lightweight, affordable and easy to process industrially.
At Zodiac, PVC tubes & boats are thermally welded, which provides a strong, airtight bond between the material layers. This is not the case with all brands, and this is exactly what delivers the quality you can expect from Zodiac.
A major advantage of PVC is its low weight. A PVC boat is easy to carry, store and quick to inflate. In addition, the price is often two to three times lower than with a Hypalon tube.
PVC does require a bit more maintenance. Sunlight and salt water can, over time, affect the colour or structure. By cleaning your boat regularly with approved care products, such as those from Blue Marine, the material remains strong and retains its colour.
What is Hypalon (Neoprene-Hypalon)?
Neoprene-Hypalon is a combination of two high-quality types of rubber: neoprene (CR) and Hypalon (CSM). This material is mainly used for professional RIB’s and rescue boats because of its exceptional durability. The larger RIBs from Zodiac are also supplied exclusively with a Neoprene Hypalon tube.
Where PVC is welded industrially, a Neoprene-Hypalon tube is produced by hand. The seams are sanded, bonded and finished precisely. That makes the production process more expensive, but the result is a tube that is more resistant to UV radiation, salt water and chemicals.
A Hypalon boat requires less maintenance than a PVC boat. The material ages more slowly, remains supple and retains its colour and texture much longer. The purchase price is higher, but it pays for itself in service life and lower maintenance costs.
PVC or Hypalon: what should you choose?
The right choice depends on how and how often you go boating:
- PVC is ideal for recreational use, for example a few months per year.
- Hypalon is the best choice for intensive or professional use, or if you boat year-round and the boat is exposed to weather influences for extended periods.
Whichever option you choose, it remains important to maintain your boat properly. Rinse the tubes with fresh water after every use, do not leave your boat in the sun for long periods, and always use products specifically developed for inflatable boats, such as Blue Marine care products.
How can you identify PVC or Hypalon?
- You can recognise PVC by the light texture of the material and the welded seams (as on Zodiac boats). Both sides of PVC are the same colour. The back of PVC material is always glossy. When you sand PVC, no sanding dust is released.
- Neoprene-Hypalon, on the other hand, usually has a smooth texture (except for special versions such as Carbon, Fabric Impression or Honeycomb) and bonded seams. If you lightly sand Hypalon, fine sanding dust is released. Over time, small “hairs” can develop along the edges of a Hypalon boat. The back of Hypalon material is (almost) always grey and not glossy, which is a clear identifying feature.
Conclusion
The difference between PVC and Hypalon determines the service life, maintenance requirements and performance of your inflatable boat. PVC is lightweight and affordable; Hypalon is stronger and more durable. Which choice is best depends on your boating style and how frequently you use the boat.
Not sure which material your boat has? Neem contact us, we will be happy to help you.
