How do you tell PVC from Hypalon?

[JackK]

Need some help, please.....

I'm trying to repair an old Valiant D-300 RIB dinghy. Valiant isn't sold in the US anymore and I'm at a loss for good information. I don't know how to tell if the tubes are PVC or Hypalon. I need to be sure I use the right cement to patch a few leaks.

Anybody have a way to tell by look, feel, or knowledge?

 

[Sailvayu]

I do not know of any way to tell the difference myself but do know that 5200 fast cure works on both.

 

[Gunni]

Do the seams look to be glued, or welded? Hypalon is glued, with lots of material overlap, PVC has narrow overlaps and welded impressions. PVC also shows fabric print-thru because the material is thinner.

 

[Ken13559]

I think PVC has plastic feel and hypalon is kinda rubber feel and heavier.

 

[Joe]

http://inflatableboatworks.com/?p=1796

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

I do not know of any way to tell the difference myself but do know that 5200 fast cure works on both.

Yep- 5200. I patched an Achilles dinghy back in 1980 with 5200. Sold that one last year- patch still holding tight.

Patched my newer Achilles on the floor (Oyster shell cut) using 5200. THAT's still doing fine

 

[Rick I]

Hypalon Glue

If you are still in doubt use Hypalon glue. It works on both Hypalon and PVC whereas PVC glue will only work with PVC.

 

[capta]

http://inflatableboatworks.com/?p=1796

I really want to thank you for that link; it is the most comprehensive thing I have ever read about inflatables. I still don't know which material my Zodiac is, but it is a great article.

 

[JackK]

Guys thanks for the great advice. Went to the link for inflatables and then surfed around a little and found this link. Really great explanation. Now I know I'm dealing with PVC. I will try the 5200.

Thanks again good sailing!

http://www.polymarine.com/advice/pvc-or-hypalon/

 

[Stephan]

Need some help, please.....

I'm trying to repair an old Valiant D-300 RIB dinghy. Valiant isn't sold in the US anymore and I'm at a loss for good information. I don't know how to tell if the tubes are PVC or Hypalon. I need to be sure I use the right cement to patch a few leaks.

Anybody have a way to tell by look, feel, or knowledge?

All the higher-end Professional Valiant boats were constructed with Polyurethane fabric [Akron-TPE], but your D-300 was built with PVC fabric, which was thermowelded and featured their VITECH (Vacuum Injection Technology) hull.

It was specifically a Mehler-Haku PVC fabric (German company), which is really good quality and what I use for my Defender RIBs and my First Responder Boats.

Visited their factory in 2006 and it was very impressive. They even had a huge testing pool into which all the Military boats would go before they "passed".

But, I had more fun when they let us take the boats out to test them. That is me in the image, trying to break their 28' Patrol boat. I couldn't & I tried hard.

Stephan