Which is the better material for inflatable boats, Hypalon or P.V.C?…
The truth is they are both very good products. Each is made for different boating needs. Here are some pros and cons of each to help you decide which is best for you: Hypalon Pros Cons Resists abrasion Heavier than p.v.c. Good sun, salt and gas resistance Hand glued-prone to air leaks Long life expectancy Raw material and labour more expensive Flame resistant Glue softens over time and is sensitive to gasoline P.V.C. Pros Cons Lightweight Shorter life expectancy. Welded seams more air tight wont come apart Prolonged sun/salt/gas exposure may damage material Mass production less expensive to produce Raw material costs less Dont be fooled, not all Hypalon boats are made of the same grade of material (this is true of P.V.C. also). There are huge quality differences between brands of inflatables and its almost impossible for the consumer to tell the difference. One clue is the price. When the price is cheap, usually the quality is too. Your best bet is to stay with a proven brand thats bee