How to tell if Hypalon or PVC

[jaymasta]

I am going to look at an inflatable boat in the next few days its older but hypalon material, I am wondering if there is anyway to verify that it is actaully hypalon over pvc, other then the person telling me? Are there any telltale signs or would it be labaled on the boat anywhere, it is an older achilles?
Thanks
Jason

 

[beemer]

I am going to look at an inflatable boat in the next few days its older but hypalon material, I am wondering if there is anyway to verify that it is actaully hypalon over pvc, other then the person telling me? Are there any telltale signs or would it be labaled on the boat anywhere, it is an older achilles?
Thanks
Jason

Hey jaymasta , Hypalon has a very smooth texture and if you look at the seams they are always glued. PVC has a rougher texture and are usually heat welded at the seams. if my memory serves me correctly achilles inflatables are neither. They are a composite of several different fabrics with the outside layer being a rubber composite. There are lots of different versions of tubes , but look for excessive wear (fabric showing through on common wear areas , excessive patching and seams that look like they have been reglued.

Most inflatables has some small leaks , but if you want to detect big one bring along a spray bottle with a little soapy water in it and pump up the boat and spray on the seams and patches and you will find out pretty quickly if you have a leaker.

Hope that helps.

beemer

 

[jaymasta]

Well I did a little research and it looks like achilles only uses hypalon or CSM as they call it which is the abbreviation to the chemical makeup of hypalon which is patented by Dupont.

 

[Steelhead S2]

I can vouch for Achilies being good quality. When I was 8 or so, my grandpa bought one as a tender. I immediately took it on and beat the hell out of it for the rest of my childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. It is still my main fishing machine, rigged with two riggers and the same old 4 horse. Has seen countless hours of fishing, being beached, and beat on, including many trips to Bamfield and a few to fish sox in the canal. So I say from experience (i'm 29 now) that these boats are super tough and super stable. Did I mention all the prawning and crabbing over the decades? Great inflatables.