ALL INFLATABLE BOATS AVAILABLE IN NEW ZEALAND ARE MADE FROM EITHER HYPALON OR PVC

BOTH HAVE THEIR MERITS AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ON SUCH.

HYPALON

A nylon or polyester textile bonded with Hypalon and neoprene - both synthetic rubbers (Elastomers).  Hypalon is widely acknowledged as superior in inflatable boat manufacturing giving remarkably long life, resistance to staining, marking, petrol and marine pollution, immense resistance against ultra-violet degradation and excellent abrasion resistance.  Hypalon is predicted to last well over 30 years.

Further advantages over PVC:

*    Hypalon can be folded for long periods without fabric damage
*    Hypalon can be cleaned with common cleaners - soaps, detergents or even solvents.
*    Hypalon is calendered and vulcanised onto the fabric backing.  Thus delamination is     avoided.
*    Hypalon is bonded with contact adhesive to make consistently reliable, joint/seams that IMPROVE  with age
*    Hypalon expands and flexes with heat, shock and impact.  Temp range -30C to 150C.
*    Hypalon can easily be repaired as the fabric ages

OR

PVC

A nylon or polyester textile coated with a plastic coating.  PVC (Plastomer) is made flexible by the addition of plasticisers or oils.  The degradation of the fabric starts immediately as these additives dry out.  PVC progressively reverts to a dry brittle form with it's life unlikely to exceed 10 years.  PVC is affected by petroleums and becomes harder to repair as fabric deteriorate.  PVC boats can be a reasonable, economic choice for short-term use but care must be taken in areas of use and storage.

NOT

HYPOPOLYMER  is not a Hypalon, Hypalon equivalent or a new fabric.  The word Hypopolymer appears to mislead users into thinking the fabric is Hypalon rather than the PVC that it actually is.