Winter storage

[TEK89]

Hi!

I am going for a Highfield OM500 with pvc tubes (uv not really a problem in nordic countries). I do not have room to store the boat inside for the winter.

Does the pvc damage when frozen? We normally have 3-4 months of below 0 temperatures.

Can the pvc handle it or should I invest on hypalon? Hypalon adds about 25% on the boat price...

[Orwell boy]

I have a om500 and would suggest the german Valmex pvc ,made by a german mehler is rather well specced ,mine has spent two English winters under a canvass style cover and still looks like new , I think this is just another case of the old material (hypalon ) was everybodies first choice 25 years ago , I think this mehler company are like our british 3m and what they are producing has far more testing applications than your average rib , I have a slightly older hypalon rib here too ,and to be honest it looks poor by comparison

[Xk59D]

Hypalon is still the best 25 years on. If there was better then the big boys would be using it.

Put a full cover on and I'm sure it will be fine with pvc or hypalon.

[beamishken]

Polyurethane which is different to pvc but often confused with it is more abrasion resistant than hypalon but is more difficult to glue and repair however newer boats are heat welded and modern glues and backing colours on the pu are claimed to have alleviated the glue issue
Some big players do use pu and it is well thought of in the US I think the gap between the materials is getting smaller
If your buying new maybe worth asking what the warranty period is and what the manufactures recommend for your climate

[TEK89]

Thanks all.

I went with orca tubes. Planning to keep this boat for long time and the extra investment I hope will be worth it.

[Rogue Wave]

That's a decision you won't regret. Buy quality cry once!