How Do I Know if My Boat is Made of PVC or Hypalon?
Here you can read how to check what material your boat is made of, and we provide an explanation of the different materials from which inflatable boats and RIB boats are made.
There are three types of materials used in the manufacture of inflatable tubes:
- Hypalon
- PVC
- PU (Polyurethane)
Hypalon and PVC are the most commonly used, read on for an explanation of the main differences between them.
Hypalon: This is a synthetic rubber coating on polyester or nylon fabric, usually with a neoprene coating on the back of the fabric. The rubber coating is very wear-resistant and, if maintained, can last more than 20 years by keeping your boat clean and applying a good conditioner. We recommend the cleaning products from August Race (link). Hypalon fabric is significantly more expensive than PVC but lasts longer. Hypalon is manufactured in a wide range of colors and textures, see our webshop: hypalon-fabric/
Hypalon
PVC: This is a plastic coating chemically known as polyvinyl chloride and is applied as a sandwich coating on polyester or nylon. PVC in its simple state is not a flexible material and requires an additive to make it pliable and usable as a coating on the base fabric. Older PVC fabrics gained a reputation for the plasticizing additive breaking down over time due to exposure to ultraviolet light (UV), making the PVC brittle and leading to cracks. Modern advancements have significantly addressed this issue, and quality producers of PVC fabrics offer 10-year+ UV warranties on their marine-grade products. A PVC tube is the cheapest production material and can last up to 15 years. It is now used in most boats for mass production because the seams can be quickly welded with thermal or high-frequency welding. They can also be glued, making repairs quick and easy.
PVC
PU (polyurethane): PU is relatively new as a fabric for inflatable boats. There is independent test evidence to support the claims of high-quality PU manufacturers that PU has superior air tightness compared to Hypalon fabrics and also has a high degree of wet and dry abrasion resistance combined with high tensile strength. The fabric price is comparable to good quality Hypalon fabric but significantly more expensive than PVC fabrics. Good quality PU is designed to last up to 15 years. PU fabric is currently manufactured in a limited number of colors compared to the wide range of colors available with Hypalon and PVC fabrics.
How do I check what type of fabric my inflatable boat, RIB, inflatable kayak, or liferaft is made of?
It is essential to know what material your inflatable boat is made of because it is very important, for example, in repairs or attaching handles to use the correct adhesive for the specific material.
There are different tests to check if you are unsure what fabric your inflatable RIB or tender is made of.
- Backside of the fabric.
Hypalon fabric
If you can see the inside of the tube through the valve, then Hypalon is dark gray or black on the inside.
PVC fabric
PVC has the same color on both sides. Also, PVC is often thinner and shinier than Hypalon fabric.
- Another option is to sand a small piece of material in a discreet spot. Hypalon fabric becomes matte and creates dust. PVC scratches, remains glossy, and there is no color difference.
- Apply a small amount of MEK solvent to an inconspicuous area of the tube (this test only works if you use the correct solvent, i.e., MEK, which is chemically known as methyl ethyl ketone, often available at hardware, paint, or plumbing stores) or you can use acetone. Hypalon leaves an oxidized (dull) appearance and sometimes some color on the application cloth, but Hypalon material does not feel sticky. If the fabric is PVC, the material will feel sticky, and the solvent may leave some of the textile coloring on the application cloth. Note. These solvents are dangerous and must be used/applied with proper care in a well-ventilated area without open flames.
- Or see below the list of RIB and inflatable boat manufacturers and the materials they use.
N.B. The list of manufacturers and material types below is not exhaustive, and HIBS cannot guarantee its accuracy. We do our best to verify the factual changes and specifications of the manufacturer, sometimes between countries. This list is regularly updated. If you are unsure what material your boat is made of, please contact HIBS > [email protected]
List of well-known boat brands of HYPALON:
AB, Achilles, Avon, Ballistic, Beaufort, Brig *, BWM, Calgari, Caribe, Delta, Duarry, Eurocraft, Gommonnautica, Henshaws, Novajolly, Novamaribe, Novurania, Osprey, Revenger, Revolt, Ribcraft, Ribtec, Rib-X, Ring, Roughneck, Scanner, Scorpion, Selva, X-Craft, Yam, (Zodiac some models from their range could be Hypalon).
List of well-known boat brands of PVC:
Arimar, Bombard, Brig *, Eurovinyl, Excel, Honda, Lodestar, Maxxon, Metzler *, Narwhal, Plastimo, Quicksilver, Ribeye *, Sevylor, Suzumar, Talamex, Tohatsu, * RIB’S are of PU), Waveline, YAM, Zoom, Zodiac (Zodiac Hypalon – see note above).
Polyurethane (PU): TORNADO, VALIANT * (larger commercial RIB’S)
