Whats best for Texas heat - PVC or Hypalon

[LakePirate]

It looks like I'm going to need to purchase a new inflatable. What is the best material and method of sealing for the Texas heat?

[remetau]

You want to get a hypalon due to sun exposure.

[T37Chef]

Hypalon, unless you will deflate it and store it inside or keep it covered 99% of the time.

[Capttman]

fiberglass.....

[sailor50]

Hypalon definately!

PVC in the Southern Climes deteriorates. I store my PVC dinghy in the living room - drives my better half madder than finding a 'coon or snake in the house, but it fits really nice between the adirondack chairs and the cover coordinates with the decor. Most land lubber company doesn't notice (or they ignore it).

[Zanshin]

I have a UK-made hypalon inflatable dinghy in the tropics. The Hypalon material is holding up very well but the glue is already deteriorating after 4 years (most of the time the dinghy is stored out of the sun). I think a locally (to you) made dinghy made of Hypalon is the best choice, but get a quality product unless you want to start mixing and applying your own glue.

[Vasco]

My Hypalon AB RIB has been in the sun (Florida in summer, Bahamas in winter) uncovered for six years and still is perfect. Try that with a PVC dink!!

[LakePirate]

Here is some info I found about my own question. Maybe it will help some one else understand the difference too.

BoatUS BoatTECH Guides: Inflatable Boats

[SimonV]

It all depends on how you use your dinghy. HYP and PVC will still get holes and tears from rocks, coral and oysters. At half the cost PVC may be the better buy, My last PVC dink was 9 years old before replacment but the patches that covered it were a lot yonger. PVC should last 5 years + of hard use, longer if you look after it. The extra cost of HYP may sound good on paper, but what condition will it be in 5 years and Hyp does not hold air as well as PVC.