Zodiac material identification

[stu1976]

Hi there,

New to RIB boating. I inherited an older Zodiac inflatable and I'm trying to repair a split seam where the glue has failed.

I need help in identifying the material as I am getting conflicting information. Everyone at the boat shops immediately say it's PVC sight unseen, but testing seems to indicate it's Hypalon?

It's a 1988 Zodiac MK I, serial 1218.

Any advice very much appreciated.
Thanks

[stu1976]

Additional Info:
NadaGuides.com says is strongnan, which seems to be a version of PVC?


I'm doubting PVC only because I can access the inside of the tube and the inside is clearly black and the outside is grey. The outside material mattes and produces grey dust when sanded. And rubbing 100% Acteone (wife's nail polish remover) doesn't leave the surface tacky at all.


Let me know if you think pics would help with ID.


Thanks!

[Northern Pike]

Pics are essential. Strongan is Zodiacspeak for PVC.
If the joints are glued its likely hypalon. If the joints are welded its definitely PVC, which Zodiac calls Strongan.

[prairie tuber]

Are the seams glued? Your tests would suggest it is hypalon.

As NP said, if the seams are welded then it is definitely PVC/Strongan.

[stu1976]

I appreciate the responses. Thank you!






I can't tell the difference between welded and glued seams.


I took a closer look at the inner chamber inside the seam split. I was wrong earlier about the fabric being a different colour. I was seeing the inner strip of material that attaches the two seams together which is black. Beyond that, it's grey, the same as the outside.


I'm going with PVC now. I will assume that my inexperience has led me to perform the acetone and the sanding test incorrectly.


Thanks!

[stu1976]

pics for those interested...

thanks again!

[Northern Pike]

Sure looks like PVC to me, but a closer shot of the seams would help to be positive. I had a boat like that. I believe around that time they were transitioning to PVC and boats were built of both that, and hypalon.

[office888]

Best reference I have says the 87-88 MK1s were PVC.

Better pictures of the seams up close will verify? The bump for the baffle towards the on the port and starboard bow screams PVC to me.

[prairie tuber]

Looks like PVC to me as well.