PVC or Hypalon: What should you choose for your pneumatic tubes?
Previously, we've covered a good number of the questions you may have when it comes to buying a semi-rigid boat. We've reviewed which were the best brands, but also what accessories to choose, or given you tips on the second-hand market.
For all that, there remains a very important subject, at the heart of our profession, and which we're going to tackle today: the choice of material for the floats of your future boat!
In fact, as you may have realized during your research, two materials in particular dominate the semi-rigid boat market: PVC and Hypalon-Neoprene.
But how do you choose between one or other type of protective fabric? What are their special features, advantages or disadvantages?
What is PVC ?
You're all familiar with PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), this material is found everywhere in our consumer society, and particularly 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 plasticisers.
What are the advantages of PVC?
PVC has several 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 the use you will make of them 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. Delamination resistance
The 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, and weights of 1100, 1200 and 1500 decitex (the unit of measurement used to quantify fibre fineness). Higher weights are suitable for larger boats exposed to bumps 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 similar sized boat. This lightness can be an advantage in certain situations, particularly if you're looking for better manoeuvrability 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 are considering a smaller boat, such as a tender, PVC is still a viable option, but you may want to consider other factors such as the Hypalon's light weight and manoeuvrability.
It is essential to take into account the size of your boat, your personal preferences and the intended conditions of use to choose wisely between PVC and Hypalon as the material for your semi-rigid boat's floats.
What is Hypalon?
Hypalon, meanwhile, is a synthetic elastomer derived from rubber, which is then coated onto a fabric weave.
What are the advantages of Hypalon?
Hypalon has distinct 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 colours and customisation
One of the remarkable features of Hypalon is its versatility in terms of colours. Unlike PVC, which is often available in traditional colours such as black, white and grey, Hypalon is available in a wide range of colours. This variety of colours means you can personalise your design even further. At Orca Retail, you can explore many options for the appearance of Hypalon fabrics, giving you the opportunity to personalise your boat to your own preferences. You can order our coloured daisy for just £10 and brighten up your choice.
2. Heat and ultraviolet resistance
Hypalon performs better in terms of heat and ultraviolet resistance. 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, it is recommended that you 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 comes into its own.
3. Chemical and petroleum resistance
Hypalon outperforms PVC in terms of chemical and petroleum resistance. This property guarantees greater longevity. Hypalon is more resistant to the pollution that can affect coastlines and marinas, as well as to the chemicals used to maintain your boat.
4. Ease of repair
In the event of damage, Hypalon fabric floats are easier to repair. You can buy Hypalon fabrics by the metre and cold glue them to add a new layer of fabric to your boat, increasing 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
As a result, hypalon is rather recommended for boats with a lot of outdoor exposure, and particularly in sunny environments, requiring less maintenance and attention than PVC. PVC will age more quickly, and may even become a little sticky and tacky because of the plasticising materials, which will tend to rise up on the outside of the fabric.
It's therefore a question of clearly identifying the use, frequency of use, storage conditions for 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's leading producer of hypalon fabrics, we've chosen our side!
Visit our shop or contact us to find out more about our products.
