PVC or Hypalon : Which to choose for your pneumatic tubes ?
Previously, we've covered many of the questions you may have about buying a RIB boat. We reviewed which were the best brands, but also what accessories to choose, or, we gave you advice as to the second-hand market.
However, there remains a very important subject at the heart of our business, and one we're going to tackle today : the choice of tube material for your future craft !
In fact, as you may have realized during your research, two materials in particular dominate the RIB boat market: PVC and Hypalon-Neoprene.
But how do you choose between one or the 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 manufactured from derivatives of petroleum products. PVC starts out as a rigid material, but is softened by the use of plasticizers.
What are the advantages of PVC?
PVC offers 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 tubes, 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's 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, especially for medium to large boats.
2. Delamination resistance
The PVC is welded to the tubes, making it resistant to delamination over the long term. Unlike Hypalon fabrics, which are glued, PVC won't have problems with "delamination", making it a durable choice for RIB boats.
3. Weaving 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 more 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 maneuverability or reduced fuel consumption.
5. Recommended boat size
PVC is generally recommended for RIB medium-to-large boats, where its affordability and resistance to delamination are major assets. If you're considering a smaller boat, such as a tender, PVC is still a valid option, but you might want to consider other factors such as the Hypalon's light weight and maneuverability.
It's essential to consider 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 RIB boat's tubes.
What is Hypalon ?
Hypalon, meanwhile, is a synthetic elastomer derived from rubber, which is then coated onto a fabric weft.
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 tubes, 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 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 many options for the appearance of Hypalon fabrics, giving you the opportunity to personalize your boat to your preferences. You can order our color 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's essential to note that, whatever material you choose, it's advisable to regularly check the inflation level of your RIB 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 longer life. Hypalon is more resistant to pollution that can affect coasts or marinas, as well as to the chemicals used to maintain your boat.
4. Easy to repair
In the event of damage, Hypalon fabric tubes 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, enhancing its durability. Unlike PVC, you won't need to re-weld or have complex equipment to make 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 low-maintenance boats that 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 especially in sunny environments, requiring less maintenance and attention than PVC. PVC will in fact age more quickly, even becoming a little sticky and tacky due to the plasticizing materials that will tend to rise up on the outside of the fabric.
It's a question of determining your boat's use, frequency of use, storage conditions, and of course, your budget (and therefore also the desired size of 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 store or contact us to find out more about our products.