PVC OR CSM (Hypalon)

About PVC & CSM (Hypalon)

Almost all inflatable boats are constructed with either PVC or CSM/Hypalon fabric. Hypalon was discontinued by its manufacturer (DuPont) and is now sold under its slightly different formula and new name "CSM"

Colton Boats are made with either PVC or CSM (Hypalon). Each fabric has their advantages and disadvantages. Both fabrics should be considered when making your selection.

PVC fabric is known to be significantly less expensive than CSM. PVC is quite strong and can come in different thicknesses such as .09mm & 1.2mm, but this still does not change the fact that it does not repel sunlight as great as CSM. It can definitely be kept in great shape and last just as long if well maintained.

CSM on the other hand is more expensive overall but will last longer and is excellent against sun exposure & tolerant on fuel spills or fumes. CSM is simply longer lasting, more expensive and has a high tolerance through a variety of environments or different weather.

NEOPRENE/CSM (HYPALON)

Two very common types of materials used in inflatable boat making are CSM and Neoprene. CSM is made out of a rubber called chlorosulfonated polyethylene. CSM on it’s on own doesn’t work very well, mostly because it’s not able to hold any air.

That’s why most manufacturers use a mix of Neoprene and CSM to create the ultimate inflatable boat material. Neoprene holds air like no other material, it’s extremely airtight and has a long lifespan. The first inflatable boats actually used cotton coated with Neoprene. It worked great with one exception, the cotton would quickly rot away while the Neoprene would remain intact.

PVC

Short for polyvinyl chloride, it’s a synthetic plastic polymer. PVC comes in two basic forms, a rigid and flexible one. PVC is used for all kinds of things, sewage pipes, clothing, furniture, toys and of course, inflatable boats

PVC Pros & Cons

Pro: Significantly less expensive

Pro: It is lighter and more portable PVC

Pro: PVC is easy to repair by either gluing or welding new sheets of PVC.

Con: Not as UV resistant

Con: Not as resistant to chemicals, gas, oil, and abrasion

Con: Shorter life cycle. Average life cycle 8 - 10 years

CSM (Hypalon) Pros & Cons

Pro: Excellent chemical resistance and stability against UV-rays

Pro: Expands and flexes with heat, shock and impact

Pro: Longer life cycle 15-20 years

Con: More expensive than PVC (100% to 150% more expensive)

Con: Will loses air a bit quicker over time due to its structure

SUMMARY

1)In general PVC fabric won't last as long as CSM fabric if the boat will be subjected to prolonged periods of direct sunlight and no measures have been taken to protect the PVC fabric from the sun (boat cover or UV Protectant). In many ways these fabrics are very similar: modern technology and improvements of PVC are minimizing the difference. The most important differences are : TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE. It makes CSM very preferable in hot climate areas. PVC is also very useful there, but you have to be more careful to your boat. In medium and cold climate areas this difference is minimal. PVC is more sensitive to UV radiation than CSM. But now the special chemical additives in PVC have nearly solved the problem

2) PVC is not a problem unless your boat is going to be outside and unprotected all summer, every year. If you only use the boat occasionally such as on weekends or while on vacation then it isn't a factor at all. Even if you leave your boat outside all the time the issue can be solved by putting a sun/rain cover on your boat when it isn't in use or by applying a UV protective spray periodically. If you are willing to take the necessary steps required to protect your PVC boat then you can take advantage of the significantly more attractive pricing points that we are able to offer with our PVC boats. Regular usage of boat cover will significantly improve life expectancy of your boat.

3) Hypalon inflatable boats are significantly more expensive. On average a Hypalon inflatable boat will cost you 50 to 75 percent more than a PVC