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[ Return to Contents | Post a Reply | Post a new message ] inflatables Posted by Daniel S on Feb 23 2005 I recently bought a hypalon boat. I changed my mind based on the specs. In every spec sheet I saw, if you were comparing two boats of similar size and tube diameter, one PVC and one hypalon, the load capacity, motor hp and weight allowance for the transom were much greater on a hypalon boat. In fact, a PVC boat will have to increase the tube diameter by as much as 4 inches to float the same amount of weight. I know the manufacturers of the fabric are different, and there are different deniers of fabric out there, but don't know how to identify them by sight. I do know that the way the fabric is layered (neoprene,fabric,neoprene,hypalon, for instance) is important for air retention quality. Manufacturer is also important. If I were still going to buy a PVC boat, it would say Zodiac somewhere on it. Yes it's still PVC(Strongan), but the way it's layered and the way the seams are welded seem to be extremely important. As far as seams go, butted seams are supposed to be very strong, with the overlapping tape on BOTH sides adding great strength. I have read where in testing, the fabric failed before the seam did. As far as what to look for, the little I know about it also helped me make my decision. I saw boats at the last show with bubbles in the tape, tape that sort of made a wavy line down the boat where you could see the seam was straight, and floors that were obviously glued/welded on crooked even to my untrained eye. Having said all of that, I am still the new guy on this subject, and look forward to hearing from the guys who have had their boats for years. Previous: not YOU, Mike. jklingel Feb 24 2005 Next: inflatables Daniel S Feb 26 2005 Message Thread:
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