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?

Storm’s current rigid-hull RIB model pages specify CSM (Hypalon) tubes. Our portable AeroDeck range uses PVC. Both need appropriate care, inflation, storage and inspection; neither material is maintenance-free.

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

RIB tube fabric is a coated textile, not simply a solid rubber sheet. As one manufacturer example, ORCA’s engineered RIB fabrics describe CSM coatings designed for prolonged exposure to sunlight, seawater and weather. Its ORCA 820 fabric certificate lists a polyester base with CSM/CR coatings. These sources explain fabric construction; they do not identify Storm’s supplier or certify a complete Storm boat.

ADVANTAGES OF HYPALON OVER PVC

Durability and longevity: Fabric grade, seam construction, UV exposure, storage, inflation and maintenance all influence tube life. A generic material comparison cannot support a guaranteed service life for an individual boat.

UV resistance: CSM fabric manufacturers emphasise resistance to sunlight and ageing. That does not make tubes immune to fading or damage. Use covers and follow the boat’s care instructions.

Temperature and exposure: Ask for the specific fabric’s technical data and care limits. Colour, coating, adhesive, seam construction and operating conditions matter alongside the material name.

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. The repair method, surface preparation and adhesive must match the fabric and manufacturer’s instructions. Have structural seam problems or uncertain damage assessed by a competent tube-repair specialist; a repair’s quality cannot be inferred from material name alone.

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, Ask Storm to confirm the applicable warranty terms for the tubes, hull and individual components before ordering. Explore the full range, or use our RIB configurator to build one to your spec.

Continue your RIB research

Tube fabric is one part of the whole boat. Compare GRP and aluminium RIB hulls, select the appropriate length with the UK RIB size guide, and use the new versus used RIB buying guide before exploring the complete Storm RIB range.