Is Hypalon or PVC better for RIBs?

One of the age old questions of the inflatable boat world and marine industry is Hypalon (CSM) versus PVC. Is Hypalon or PVC better?

Cards on the table, we’re firmly in the Hypalon camp – there’s good reason why military inflatables almost universally use Hypalon – it’s tougher, has greater resistance to UV and temperature fluctuations and has super low maintenance requirements. This is why all of our RIBs and inflatables are manufactured using Hypalon tubes, with the exception of our AeroDeck range which is constructed using PVC.

In much of the world, RIBs and inflatable boats have emerged as the most versatile, robust and desirable type of vessel. They offer portability, ease of storage, and often deliver unrivalled performance on the water. However, not all inflatable boats are created equal. When it comes to material selection, the debate between Hypalon (CSM) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) has gained significant attention. In this article, we will delve into the unique attributes of Hypalon as a superior material for inflatable boats, highlighting its advantages over PVC.

HYPALON – AN OVERVIEW

Hypalon, a synthetic rubber compound developed by DuPont, has earned its place as a premium choice for manufacturing inflatable boats. Its distinct composition, consisting of synthetic fabric and neoprene, imparts exceptional durability, UV resistance, and resilience against harsh marine environments. This synthetic rubber’s innate properties make it a standout material, ensuring inflatable boats constructed from it stand the test of time. This is one reason why Storm RIBS offer the longest warranty in the marine industry on all Hypalon boats.

ADVANTAGES OF HYPALON OVER PVC

Durability and Longevity: One of the most significant advantages of Hypalon over PVC is its superior durability. Hypalon’s robust composition provides resistance to abrasions, punctures, and chemicals, ensuring that it remains in pristine condition even in demanding conditions. This durability translates into a longer lifespan for Hypalon inflatable boats, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective investment.

UV Resistance: Exposure to sunlight and harsh weather conditions can deteriorate the quality of inflatable boat materials over time. Hypalon stands out due to its exceptional UV resistance. It can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight without fading, cracking, or losing structural integrity. This property is crucial for maintaining the aesthetics and functionality of inflatable boats, particularly in regions with intense sun exposure.

Temperature Tolerance: Hypalon exhibits superior temperature tolerance compared to PVC. It remains flexible in a wide range of temperatures, from frigid cold to scorching heat. This flexibility ensures that Hypalon boats can perform optimally regardless of the weather, enhancing their usability and reliability in various environments.

COST, AND WHEN PVC MAKES SENSE

Hypalon isn’t the only sensible choice, and it’s worth being straight about that. PVC is genuinely cheaper to produce, which is why it’s the standard on entry-level and budget inflatables. For a tender that’s stored under cover, used occasionally, or kept in a cooler climate, PVC can offer good value without its downsides showing up as quickly. It’s also typically a little lighter than Hypalon for a given tube size – a small but real factor on smaller, trailer-launched boats.

REPAIRABILITY

Both materials can be repaired, but Hypalon repairs generally bond more reliably and hold up better over time – one reason it remains the standard choice for commercial and rescue craft that can’t afford a tube failure in the field.

SO WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

If your boat will spend real time in the sun – moored, used regularly through a full British summer, or based somewhere hotter – Hypalon’s UV resistance and longer lifespan usually make it the better long-term choice, even at a higher upfront cost. If your boat is stored under cover, used occasionally, or budget is the primary constraint, PVC is a legitimate, honest option that plenty of good boats use well.

Every RIB in the Storm/Charge, Storm/Chaser, Storm/Strike and Storm/Cloud ranges uses Hypalon tubes as standard, backed by our 6-year bow-to-stern warranty. Explore the full range, or use our RIB configurator to build one to your spec.