P.V.C
Glued, heat welded, “Thermo-Bonded” (Zodiac only, trademarked, protected)
Easy to repair
U.V. Stabilized to prevent U.V. Photobleaching
Acid resistant
Damaged by oils and fuels, solvents
Turns brown and sticky from long term exposure to infrared radiation (heat) when combined with oils such as sun tan oils
Less expensive to manufacture from a man hour perspective
Lower cost, 90% of all inflatable boats are P.V.C. based
Better air keeping, especially Zodiac “Thermo-bonded”
Best brands Zodiac, Bombard
Hypalon/CSM
Sand & stick glued construction, handmade/assembled.
Time consuming to repair
More expensive to manufacture from a man hour perspective
U.V. Stabilized to prevent U.V. Photobleaching
Turns chalky white with prolonged U.V exposure
Oil resistant, fuel resistant, solvent resistant
Damaged by acids
Higher cost, 10% of all inflatable boats are Hypalon/CSM based
Good air keeping but expect to top off frequently
Best brands Zodiac, Zodiac MILPRO