PVC or Hypalon : Which one to choose for your pneumatic tubes ?
In the past, we've covered a number of questions you may have aboutbuying a RIB boat. We've reviewed the best brands, what accessories to choose and given you some advice on the second-hand market.
However, there's still one very important subject at the heart of our business, which we're going to tackle today: the choice of float material for your future boat!
Indeed, you may have noticed during your research, two materials in particular dominate the market of semi-rigid boats: PVC and Hypalon-Neoprene.
But how to choose between the two types of protective fabric? What are their particularities, their advantages or disadvantages?
What is PVC?
You are all familiar with PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), this material is found everywhere in our consumer society, and in particular in packaging.
PVC belongs to the category of thermoplastics, and are made 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 offers a number of advantages that make it an attractive choice for many RIB boat owners. Understanding the benefits of PVC is essential to making an informed decision about the material of your boat's floats, particularly in relation to your intended use and the size of your boat.
1. Easy assembly and affordable cost
The first advantage of PVC is its affordability. 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 makes it an economical choice, particularly for medium to large boats.
2. Resistance to delamination
PVC is welded to the floats, making it resistant to delamination over the long term. Unlike Hypalon fabrics, which are glued, PVC will not have problems with "delamination," making it a durable choice for semi-rigid boats.
3. Weave and weight options
PVC offers a variety of weave and weight options. You can choose between single and double weaves, as well as weights of 1100, 1200 and 1500 decitex (the unit of measurement used to quantify fiber fineness). Higher weights are suitable for larger boats exposed to bumping and docking, while lighter weights are generally suitable for smaller models, such as tenders.
4. Relative lightness
Although the difference may be relatively negligible, PVC can be lighter than Hypalon for a boat of similar size. This lightness can be an advantage in certain situations, especially if you're looking for better handling or reduced fuel consumption.
5. Recommended boat size
PVC is generally recommended for medium to large RIB boats, where its affordability and resistance to delamination are major advantages. If you're considering a smaller boat, such as a tender, PVC remains a valid option, but you may want to consider other factors such as Hypalon's light weight and maneuverability.
It's essential to take into account the size of your boat, your personal preferences and the anticipated conditions of use when choosing between PVC and Hypalon as the material for your RIB boat's floats.
What is Hypalon?
Hypalon is a synthetic elastomer derived from rubber, which is then coated on a fabric weave.
What are the advantages of Hypalon?
Hypalon has distinctive characteristics that make it an attractive choice for some RIB boat owners. Understanding the benefits of Hypalon is essential to making an informed decision about the material for your boat's floats, particularly in relation to its intended use and the conditions to which it will be exposed.
1. Choice of colors and customization
One of the outstanding features of Hypalon is its color versatility. 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 even greater personalization. At Orca Retail, you can explore many options for the appearance of Hypalon fabrics, giving you the opportunity to customize your boat to your preferences. You can order our color daisy for just €10 to help you make the right choice.
2. Heat and ultraviolet resistance
Hypalon performs better in terms of resistance to heat and ultraviolet rays. PVC is more sensitive to temperature variations, which can lead to over-inflation problems in hot weather. It is essential to note that, whatever material you choose, you should regularly check the inflation level of your RIB boat. When the sun is shining, UV rays also affect the durability of your boat's covering, and this is where Hypalon comes into its own.
3. Chemical and oil resistance
Hypalon outperforms PVC in terms of chemical and oil resistance. This property guarantees greater longevity. Hypalon is more resistant to pollution that can affect coastlines or marinas, as well as to the chemicals used to maintain your boat.
4. Easy to repair
In the event of damage, Hypalon fabric floats are easier to repair. You can buy Hypalon fabric by the meter and cold-glue it to add a new layer of fabric to your boat, boosting its durability. Unlike PVC, you won't need to re-weld or have complex equipment to carry out repairs.
5. Recommended conditions of use
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 be frequently exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Conclusion
Consequently, hypalon is rather recommended for boats exposed to a lot of outdoor exposure, and in particular in sunny environments, requiring less maintenance and attention than PVC. PVC will indeed age more quickly, and even become a bit sticky and tacky because of the plasticizing materials that will tend to rise on the outside of the fabric.
It is therefore important to determine the use, the frequency of use, the storage conditions of your boat, and of course, the budget (and therefore 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 the world leader in the production of hypalon fabrics, we have chosen our side!
Visit our store or contact us to find out more about our products.
