What is the best material for an inflatable dinghy?
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is the most commonly used material for inflatable boats. PVC is a lightweight material that offers moderate resistance to abrasions, scrapes, and punctures. Hypalon material is a dull dark grey or black colour on the back face of the fabric, whereas PVC and polyurethane (PU) is the same glossy colour on both sides of the fabric.When selecting a rigid inflatable boat (RIB), one of the most important choices is the tube material. We offer two options: Hypalon and PVC.There are several tests to check if you are unsure which fabric your inflatable RIB or dinghy is made from. A. Back of Fabric; If you can see the inside of the tube when deflated, through the valve, Hypalon is a dark grey or black on the inside. PVC is the same colour on both sides.Hypalon is a synthetic rubber known for exceptional UV, chemical, and wear and tear resistance, making it ideal for harsh marine environments. PVC is a synthetic plastic that’s lighter and cheaper but less durable under prolonged sun and saltwater exposure.
What is the lightest inflatable dinghy?
TWIN AIR 230 WHITE Inflatable, foldable, compact, the Twin Air is the lightest tender on the market. It weighs 13. The Twin Round Air 235 is the lightest dinghy in the world, easy to store in a small boat trunk. It weighs 11.
Should I keep my inflatable boat inflated?
Keep your boat inflated when possible. The tubing on an inflatable boat is stronger when it is inflated and will be more resistant to tears and punctures. Purchase a boat cover that properly fits your vessel. Remove inflatables from sunlight when not in use. Reducing unnecessary exposure to UV rays will protect the boat from damage and lengthen its lifespan. Simply remove the boat from sunlight when not in use or cover it with an appropriate protective material to shield it from UV.Inflatable boat tubes, whether PVC or Hypalon, can degrade over time due to exposure to sunlight. Use 303 Aerospace Protectant to protect your tubes and keep them looking new, longer.Summary: PVC inflatable boats will last anywhere between 2-10 years depending on the manufacturer, the use, and care it receives. Welded PVC boat will outlast those made with glues/adhesives. Hypalon (CSM) boats usually last 7-15 years, but can last as many as 20 years.
Do inflatable boats expire?
There are two types of materials for inflatable boats — Hypalon (CSM) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). CSM boats generally last seven to 15 years but can last up to 20 years if well maintained. PVC boats can last two to 10 years. A welded PVC inflatable boat will outlast boats made with glue. Which is better, Hypalon/Rubber or PVC inflatable boats? Hypalon and rubber fabric is better than PVC for durability, resistance against UV rays, and longevity. PVC is a more affordable option, but the boat won’t last as long.A boat constructed with Hypalon will last much longer than a boat constructed with PVC, if they are both left out in the direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Once again, this is easily remedied by not leaving the boat out exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. Greater resistance to chemicals.PVC has less abrasion resistance than hypalon/CP on dry land, but our impression over decades of boat rentals is that PVC does at least as well, if not better, when it’s wet. Polyurethane has very high abrasion resistance, but only moderate friction resistance. It is the most difficult material to glue anything to.