Hypalon, a rubber fabric, or PVC are the two materials used to make inflatables. Before beginning an inflatable’s repair, it’s critical to understand what material was used to build it.
If you are trying to mend a tear, it is typically simple to identify which fabric is which since PVC will have the same color on both sides while Hypalon will have different colors on the inside and outside.
Today, Strongan, a PVC that is their own unique material, is used to make all Zodiacs. However, a lot of models were created using Hypalon before 1968.
This means that unless the yacht was built before 1968, any repairs you attempt to make yourself will require Stabond as the adhesive. If so, you must validate the material as stated above before deciding whether to use a Hypalon adhesive or Stabond.
In This Article...
What components make up inflatable boats?
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There are a few considerations to make while picking which inflatable boat to purchase. Neoprene/CSM (also known as Hypalon), PVC, or polyurethane are the three materials used most frequently in today’s commercially available boats. Before making a choice, take sure to carefully understand the properties of each material since each has pros and downsides. Making the incorrect selection might mean the difference between a great time and a miserable day.
PVC vs Hypalon: Which is superior?
PVC or CSM/Hypalon fabric is almost always used to construct inflatable boats. How can you determine which is best for you, then?
Generally speaking, CSM/Hypalon RIBs are more expensivesometimes by more than twice as muchas PVC counterparts, but they are also significantly more resistant to UV rays and unintentional contact to chemicals, oil, or gas, such as fuel spills. Because they are more shock and impact resistant, CSM/Hypalon RIBs are suitable for people who intend to keep their boat for more than ten years, use it as their primary mode of transportation, or cruise for extended periods of time.
PVC RIBs do, however, have some advantages. PVC might be a better option if price is an issue or if you live somewhere with a short boating season and a temperate environment. Additionally, because to its structure, the boat holds its air slightly better than CSM if it will be stored out of the weather or the sun.
Whatever kind you choose, bear the following tips in mind to extend the lifespan of your inflatable:
- Look for boats with Mehler-Valmex Mainstream Plus fabric and an additional acrylic surface finish when considering PVC. When purchasing CSM/Hypalon kinds, look for material bearing the Orca trademark.
- Examine the construction details; the seams should be even, smooth, and devoid of wrinkles, and there should be little evidence of brown glue.
- Only choose a PVC boat with bonded seams when shopping.
- Verify the stability of the D-rings, grab handles, and davit lifting points.
- Work with companies who have strong global networks as well as local sales and service representation.
- Be sure to often wash your RIB with soap and freshwater. A cheap insurance coverage for your investment is a cover.
- Keep your RIB inflated to the recommended operating pressure while in use at all times!
Is my raft PVC or Hypalon?
You should be able to tell if you can see both sides of the material thanks to a tear, a loose seam, or by taking out a valve. It’s presumably synthetic rubber if the two sides of the material are different colors. It’s probably made of PVC or urethane if the colors match.
What country produces Zodiac boats?
Nearly 90% of the RIBS Zodiac sells in North America are made at its North American production site in Summerville, South Carolina. For the entire Zodiac global operation, the Summerville factory also provides the Yachtline and Bayrunner Series.
Why was Hypalon withdrawn from use?
In 2009, DuPont, the product’s original manufacturer, stopped producing hypalon. This was brought on by concerns for the environment and production safety. Hypalon releases highly harmful gases when it burns, for starters. In the plastics sector, these gases have come under attention and are regarded as an air contaminant. Hypalon also includes lead-based compounds, which are known for their risks and limitations.
This evolution has caused the market to change with relation to the production of RIB boats’ material considerations. Manufacturers had two main options: either they converted to Hypalon (CSM/CSPE) vendors that sold off-brand products, or they shifted to new, superior materials like thermoplastic urethane (TPU).
What took Hypalon’s place?
The PVCor CSM/Hypalon fabric is used to build almost all inflatable boats. Due to Hypalon’s manufacturer (DuPont) discontinuing production, CSM, also known as chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber, is currently the preferred moniker for the product.
PVC or Orca CSM (Hypalon) from France are the two materials used to make coastal boats.
There are benefits and drawbacks to each cloth. When choosing, you should take into account both textiles.
It is well known that PVC fabric is considerably less expensive than CSM.
Although PVC is highly durable and is available in a range of thicknesses, including.09mm and 1.2mm, this does not change the fact that it does not block sunlight as effectively as CSM. It can absolutely be preserved in excellent condition and last just as long if properly cared for.
On the other hand, CSM costs more overall but will endure longer, is extremely resistant to sunlight, and is tolerant of gasoline spills or odors. Simply put, CSM lasts longer, costs more money, and has a high resistance to a variety of settings or weather conditions.
PVC Pros & Cons
- Pro: Significantly cheaper
- Positive: PVC is more lightweight and portable.
- Cons: UV resistance is lower.
- Cons: Less resistant to abrasion, gas, oil, and chemicals
- The life cycle is shorter. 810 years is the typical life cycle.
CSM (Hypalon) Pros & Cons
- Pro: Outstanding chemical resistance and UV stability
- Pro: Flexes and expands in response to heat, shock, and impact
- Pro: 15-20 year life cycle
- Cons: Costly compared to PVC (100 percent to 150 percent more expensive)
- Con: Because of its structure, Will loses air a little more quickly over time.
Is neoprene and Hypalon interchangeable?
Hypalon is a synthetic rubber made from chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) that is renowned for being resistant to chemicals, severe temperatures, and ultraviolet radiation. It was made by DuPont Performance Elastomers, a company that belongs to DuPont. The new chemical formulation of Hypalon, which is now referred to as csm/cr in the marine industry, is a remarketed version of the previous Hypalon employing an additional layer of neoprene (cr).
Are Zodiac vessels trustworthy?
Given how dependable Zodiac boats have proven to be, a new firm called Zodiac MilPro was founded to handle orders and the unique requirements of the military and professional water bodies like the coast guard and sea rescue services.
In the 1950s, when the design was upgraded to include a rigid transom where an outboard motor could be mounted, work on developing it for military use got underway. rigid floors were installed later.
Alain Bombard, a French sailor and naturalist, crossed the Atlantic alone in 1952 with this novel design. 65 days were needed for the trip.
Later, in the 1960s, Jacques Cousteau, a renowned marine biologist, explorer, and diver, popularized Zodiac boats by utilizing them as tenders and dive boats for his daring missions.
Zodiac boat sales increased dramatically worldwide as a result of the broadcast of the documentary series “The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau.”
Can we therefore fairly assume that zodiac boats’ dependability and durability are guaranteed if both experts and the military utilize them?