What Material Is Your RIB Tube Made From?

Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) tubes are typically made from one of three main materials: PVC, Hypalon (CSM), or Polyurethane (PU). While they can appear similar at first glance, each material has distinct characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks. Identifying the correct material is crucial for choosing the right maintenance products and repair methods.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is a type of plastic that becomes flexible through added plasticisers. It’s a popular material due to its affordability and ease of mass production, but it’s also known for being less durable over time. Heat, sunlight, and ageing can cause the plasticisers to evaporate, making the tube material brittle and prone to failure. One key issue is that PVC offers no UV-blocking barrier, allowing sunlight to degrade adhesives from the inside out.

To overcome bonding issues, many manufacturers now use heat-welded seams instead of glue. These welded joins are strong but can be difficult to repair if they crack or delaminate.

PVC Characteristics:

• Surface is usually smooth and glossy

• Same colour inside and out

• Scratches (rather than powders) when lightly sanded

• Seams often appear melted or fused

PVC Pros:

• Inexpensive

• Weldable seams

• Resistant to scuffs and minor damage

• Widely available

PVC Cons:

• Shorter lifespan when bonded

• Poor UV and chemical resistance

• Harder to repair when welded

• Becomes stiff and brittle over time

Common PVC RIB Brands:

Valiant, Zodiac (recreational), Honda, Yamaha, Mercury, Bombard, Highfield, Ballistic, Ribeye, and many more.

Hypalon / CSM

Hypalon (now commonly referred to as CSM) was the preferred material for many premium RIB manufacturers due to its resistance to UV, heat, and chemicals. Though traditional Hypalon production ceased for environmental reasons, Orca revived it using a CSM/CR blend that retains the original benefits.

Unlike PVC and PU, Hypalon is not weldable. However, when properly prepared with abrasion, it forms a very strong bond using adhesives. This makes it an excellent choice for long-term durability.

Hypalon Characteristics:

• Less glossy than PVC or PU

• Dark grey or black internal layer

• Seams are glued, not welded

• Produces a fine white dust when lightly sanded

Hypalon Pros:

• Very long service life

• Highly UV and heat resistant

• Maintains flexibility over time

• Strong adhesive bonding

Hypalon Cons:

• Less resistant to tears and punctures

• Glued seams can come apart under high heat

• Not weldable

Brands Using Hypalon or CSM/CR:

Scorpion, Zodiac Milpro, Revenger, Cobra, Henshaws, Delta, Humber, Ribeye, Ribcraft, Ballistic, BRIG, Ribtec, and others.

Polyurethane (PU)

PU is the toughest of the three materials, often used in commercial or military-grade RIBs. Older PU tubes were known for ageing quickly due to UV exposure, but more recent variants now include blackout layers to reduce UV damage. PU fabric is typically thicker and stiffer, offering excellent resistance to abrasions and chemicals.

PU tubes are usually heat welded, giving them exceptional seam strength. However, cracks or delamination can be extremely difficult to repair due to the rigidity of the material.

PU Characteristics:

• Very stiff and shiny

• Often thicker with a visible internal weave

• Same colour inside and outside

• Seams are heat welded

PU Pros:

• Very tough and long-lasting

• Resistant to UV, chemicals, and abrasion

• Can be both bonded and welded

PU Cons:

• Hard to work with

• Difficult to repair if damaged

• Less flexible and more rigid than Hypalon

• Welded seams may crack over time

Brands Known for PU Tubes:

XS-RIBs, Tornado, Wing Inflatables (USA), Vanguard, and others in the commercial/military sectors.

Quick Tips to Identify Your Tube Material

1. Look Inside the Tube:

   • Hypalon: Inner layer is usually dark grey or black

   • PVC or PU: Inside colour typically matches the exterior

2. Lightly Sand the Surface:

   • Hypalon: Produces a fine dust and dulls the surface

   • PVC / PU: Scratches or scores but doesn’t powder

3. Inspect the Seams:

   • Welded seam: Indicates PVC or PU

   • Glued seam: Likely Hypalon

4. Feel the Material:

   • PU: Thick and stiff

   • PVC: Thin, Glossy and less flexible, especially if aged

   • Hypalon: Softer, slightly rubbery surface

   
   

Knowing your RIB tube material is essential when planning any kind of repair or restoration. Using the wrong adhesives or techniques can lead to failure, so if you’re unsure, always seek expert advice.

Test	Hypalon	PVC	PU
Surface	Dulls and powders	Scratches	Scratches
Seam	Glued	Welded	Welded
Inside Colour	Dark grey/black	Same as outside	Same as outside
Feel	Soft, rubbery	Slick, stiff	Very stiff, rigid