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Material Overview

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is a thermoplastic polymer used extensively in inflatable boat manufacturing. For marine applications, it is typically reinforced with a polyester scrim (1,100 – 1,680 DTEX) and coated on both sides. Modern marine PVC formulations include UV stabilizers and plasticizers to improve flexibility and weather resistance.

Hypalon (CSM – Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene)

Hypalon is a synthetic rubber compound (now produced generically as CSM after DuPont discontinued the Hypalon trademark). It is renowned for exceptional UV and ozone resistance, making it the preferred material for professional and military-grade inflatable boats that spend extended periods in direct sunlight.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Property	PVC	Hypalon (CSM)
UV resistance	Good (with stabilizers)	Excellent (inherent)
Abrasion resistance	Good	Very good
Tensile strength	3,000 – 5,000 N/5cm	2,500 – 4,000 N/5cm
Weight (per m²)	850 – 1,200 g	1,100 – 1,500 g
Cold flex (low temp)	-30°C	-20°C
Repairability	Easy (heat weld or adhesive)	Requires special CSM adhesive
Joining method	RF welding, hot air welding	Hand gluing (contact cement)
Cost (material)	$8 – $15 / m²	$20 – $40 / m²
Lifespan (tropical sun)	5 – 8 years	10 – 15 years

Which Should You Choose?

Choose PVC When:

• Budget is a primary concern
• The boat will be stored out of direct sunlight
• Weight matters (PVC is 15 – 25% lighter)
• You need cold-weather flexibility below -20°C
• You want a wider range of color options

Choose Hypalon When:

• The boat will be moored or stored in direct sunlight
• You are in a tropical or high-UV environment
• Maximum durability and lifespan are the priority
• You are equipping professional or commercial fleets
• Abrasion from sand, concrete, or docks is a concern

Manufacturing Differences

PVC boats are manufactured using RF (radio frequency) welding or hot air welding, which creates a molecular bond between the coated fabric layers. This allows for automated, consistent production with high throughput. Hypalon boats are assembled using hand-gluing with contact cement. Each seam is manually rolled and pressed, making Hypalon production more labor-intensive.

Aquafarer Recommendation

For most recreational users, modern high-quality PVC with UV stabilizers offers the best balance of cost, weight, performance, and durability. Aquafarer uses 1,680 DTEX marine PVC with a three-layer coating for its consumer and OEM product lines. For commercial and government clients requiring extended UV exposure, we offer Hypalon fabrication on request.