PVC vs. Hypalon

Oracai · 27 June 2009, 15:55

If you were choosing between a 10 year old PVC boat that has been covered vs. a 3 year old Hypalon boat which would you choose?

Other considerations: the PVC boat is 2 feet longer and has a console vs a unihelm in the other.

prairie tuber · 27 June 2009, 16:01

Hypalon. Even if it was the hypalon boat that was 10 yrs old and the PVC boat that was 3 yrs old, I'd still opt for the hypalon, assuming all the other parts of the boat were of similar build quality.

Oracai · 27 June 2009, 16:26

Thanks, that is what I thought; just thought I'd throw the question out there.

prairie tuber · 27 June 2009, 16:32

What are you thinking of getting (particulars)?

Oracai · 27 June 2009, 16:45

AB 10' RIB Aluminum Hypalon unihelm vs. Aquapro PVC Aluminum 12' console

prairie tuber · 27 June 2009, 17:17

For either of those boat lengths, I'd strongly recommend using a tiller rather than wheel steering. Simpler, lighter and will give you way better control.

diverdad · 27 June 2009, 21:35

Hypalon Hypalon Hypalon Hypalon!
I retube with PVC, it is supposed to be better, I have had major problems with a cowboy outfit who supplied the tubes but looking back, even if they were performing I would still go back to Hypalon.

Hope this helps

Lee

chewy · 27 June 2009, 22:13

My Avon SR4 is on the original hypalon tubes and was built in the mid eighties, they lose no air at all!

no excuses · 27 June 2009, 23:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewy

My Avon SR4 is on the original hypalon tubes and was built in the mid eighties, they lose no air at all!

daaam newer ribs

My 5.4SR is still on the original hypalon tubes from 77, They do lose a lil air over time but they will last a week or more before I have to fill them.

Eric · 28 June 2009, 02:36

The other option is to retube the Aquapro in hypalon because then you have the extra length of the boat and the lightness of the aluminum hull.

Oracai · 28 June 2009, 03:53

Thanks for all the good thoughts; I think I am set on Hypalon now. With the low prices on new stock right now I doubt retubing would be a cost effective solution, if I decide on the extra length I will likely go to a new boat.

Cheers

prairie tuber · 28 June 2009, 08:25

What other models have you looked at besides these 2?

Oracai · 29 June 2009, 03:28

I have looked at a Polaris (12' Seamaster) and a couple of other AB's (10' F/G, 11' AL). I should have taken the Polaris, but at the time I didn't know any better.

prairie tuber · 29 June 2009, 03:38

Polaris produces very nice boats. If looking for something used, it is worthwhile to be patient for the right one to show up.