hypalon or pvc?

[dave_and_dd]

I'm planning on selling an inflatable WM dinghy...
I don't know the model number...any idea how I can determine if it is hypalon or pvc?

thanks - Dave

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Did you buy it from WM and if so, at what price?

 

[dave_and_dd]

I didn't. when I bought my Catalina, it just came with the deal.

 

[justsomeguy]

I don't know the model number...any idea how I can determine if it is hypalon or pvc?

Know the model number. Check the transom.

 

[LeslieTroyer]

Model # should be on a metal plaque on the inside transom. WM sells both PVC and Hyplon

 

[dave_and_dd]

Ahhh, thanks. It's a 285s.

Searching on that....
Dave

 

[Brezzin]

Is the fabric smooth (hypalon) or kind of waffly and rough (PVC)

 

[Kings Gambit]

Is the fabric smooth (hypalon) or kind of waffly and rough (PVC)

That's what I was going to suggest as well. Hypalon is much more smooth to the touch than PVC; almost "slick" by comparison. Side by side the difference is obvious. Also, find the HIN/serial number & call the company to look it up for you. Or, if registered, find the registration and get the specs from the DMV. Or, haul it down to a WM and ask someone to take a look at it.

 

[dave_and_dd]

Good info, but I'm still not sure. From any distance it looks pretty slick but close up you do see the weave of the cloth.....

Thanks though, Dave

 

[Kings Gambit]

I doubt that PVC dinks would be very popular in FL due to the harsh sun conditions. It looks like it has seen some sun over the years and has not "melted away." Unless it is in anyway "sticky" to touch, and lacking other information, I'd guess hypalon.

 

[JimInPB]

Looks similar to this - https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--psb-275-performance-sport-boat--14272462

The model number should identify the material
Your registration may also list it

These guys have some suggestions for identifying the material -
http://www.polymarine.com/advice/pvc-or-hypalon/

The West Marine website seems to be of limited use. When I bought my PRU from them, it was sold as Hypalon. I now see my model number listed as being PVC. https://www.westmarine.com/inflatable-boats. Perhaps the material used in some models has changed? Or perhaps it was misrepresented to me at the time of sale. Or perhaps the current listing is wrong. At the time I bought mine, the RU was listed at 2/3 the price of the PRU, with the RU being listed as PVC & the PRU being listed as Hypalon.