PVC or Hypalon: Which to choose for your tubes inflatable boats?
Previously, we have covered a good number of questions that may arise for you regarding the purchase of a semi-rigid boat. We have reviewed what the best brands are, but also which accessories to choose, or we have given you advice on the second-hand market.
However, there remains a very important subject, at the heart of our profession, which we will address today: the choice of material for the floats of your future vessel!
Indeed, you may have noticed during your research, two materials in particular dominate the semi-rigid boat market: PVC and Hypalon-Neoprene.
But how to choose between one type of protective fabric and the other? What are their particularities, advantages, or disadvantages?
What is PVC?
You are all familiar with PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), this material is found everywhere in our consumer society, particularly in packaging.
PVC belongs to the category of thermoplastics, and is manufactured from derivatives of petroleum products. Initially, PVC is a rigid material, but it is softened by the use of plasticizers.
What are the advantages of PVC?
PVC presents several advantages that make it an attractive choice for many owners of semi-rigid boats. Understanding the advantages of PVC is essential to making an informed decision about the material of your boat's floats, especially depending on how you will use it and the size of your vessel.
1. Ease of assembly and affordable cost
The first advantage of PVC lies in its affordable cost. It is easier to assemble than Hypalon, as it can be welded rather than glued. As a result, PVC generally costs 2 to 3 times less to manufacture than its competitor. This feature makes it an economical choice, particularly for medium to large-sized boats.
2. Resistance to delamination
PVC is welded to the floats, making it resistant to long-term delamination. Unlike Hypalon fabrics which are glued, PVC will have no "peeling" issues, making it a durable choice for semi-rigid boats.
3. Weaving and weight options
PVC offers a variety of options in terms of weaving and weight. You can choose between single or double weaves, as well as weights of 1100, 1200, and 1500 decitex (a unit of measurement used to quantify the fineness of fibers). Higher weights are suitable for large boats exposed to shocks and dockings, while lighter weights are generally suitable for more modest models, such as tenders.
4. Relative Lightness
Although the difference may be relatively negligible, PVC can be lighter than Hypalon for a similarly sized boat. This lightness can be an advantage in certain situations, especially if you are looking for better maneuverability or reduced fuel consumption.
5. Recommended Boat Size
PVC is generally recommended for medium to large-sized semi-rigid boats, where its affordable cost and resistance to delamination are major assets. If you are considering acquiring a smaller boat, such as a tender, PVC remains a valid option, but you might consider other factors such as the lightness and maneuverability of Hypalon.
It is essential to consider your boat's size, personal preferences, and the intended usage conditions to wisely choose between PVC and Hypalon as the material for your semi-rigid boat's floats.
What is Hypalon?
Hypalon is a synthetic elastomer derived from rubber, which is then coated onto a fabric framework.
What are the advantages of Hypalon?
Hypalon has distinct characteristics that make it an attractive choice for some semi-rigid boat owners. Understanding the advantages of Hypalon is essential for making an informed decision regarding the material of your boat's floats, especially based on the intended use and the conditions it will be exposed to.
1. Choice of Colors and Customization
One of the remarkable features of Hypalon is its versatility in terms of colors. Unlike PVC, which is often available in traditional colors such as black, white, and gray, Hypalon is offered in a wide range of colors. This variety of colors allows for increased customization. At Orca Retail, you can explore numerous options for the appearance of Hypalon fabrics, giving you the opportunity to customize your boat according to your preferences. You can order our color sampler for only 10 € and thus make an informed choice.
2. Resistance to Heat and Ultraviolet
Hypalon performs better in terms of resistance to heat and ultraviolet rays. PVC is more sensitive to temperature variations , which can lead to overinflation problems in hot weather. It is essential to note that, regardless of the material chosen, it is recommended to regularly check the inflation level of your semi-rigid boat. When the sun shines, UV rays also affect the durability of your boat's coating, and that's where Hypalon takes the advantage.
3. Resistance to chemicals and oil
Hypalon surpasses PVC in terms of resistance to chemicals and oil. This property ensures greater longevity. Hypalon better resists pollution that can affect coasts or marinas, as well as chemicals used for the maintenance of your boat.
4. Ease of repair
In case of damage, Hypalon fabric floats are easier to repair. You can buy Hypalon fabrics by the meter and cold glue them to add a new layer of fabric to your boat, thus enhancing its durability. Unlike PVC, you won't need to redo welds or have complex equipment to make repairs.
5. Recommended usage conditions
Hypalon is particularly recommended for boats exposed to demanding outdoor conditions, especially in sunny environments. Its resistance to heat, UV, chemicals, and oil makes it an ideal choice for boats that require less maintenance and will frequently be exposed to harsh climatic conditions.
Conclusion
Consequently, Hypalon is rather recommended for boats that are heavily exposed to the outdoors, particularly in sunny environments, requiring less maintenance and attention than PVC. PVC will indeed age faster, or even become a bit sticky and tacky due to the plasticizing materials that tend to rise to the exterior of the fabric.
It is therefore important to clearly understand the usage, frequency of use, storage conditions of your boat, and of course, the budget (and thus also the desired size for the boat) before making your choice between PVC or Hypalon materials.
Of course, at Orca Retail and Pennel & Flipo, as a world leader in Hypalon fabric production, we have chosen our side!
Visit our store or contact us to learn more about our products.
