At RIB Retube, based in Livingston, near Edinburgh, we specialise in breathing new life into tired tubes, hulls and outboard motors. When customers ask us what material they should choose for a professional retube or a long-lasting repair, our answer is always the same: Hypalon.
When it comes to the longevity, safety, and performance of a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), the material of the collar (the tubes) is the single most important factor. For RIB owners across the UK—from the unpredictable waters of the North Sea to the rugged Atlantic coast—durability isn't just a luxury; it’s a necessity.
In this blog, we’ll explore why Hypalon remains the undisputed king of inflatable boat fabrics and why it is the best investment for your Rigid Inflatable Boat.
Table of Contents
What is Hypalon?
Hypalon is a synthetic rubber (chlorosulfonated polyethylene) manufactured by companies like Orca (Pennel & Flipo). Unlike PVC, which is a plastic-based material, Hypalon is a multi-layered fabric known for its incredible resistance to environmental extremes. It is constructed with an internal polyester or nylon mesh for strength, sandwiched between layers of Neoprene and Hypalon.
The Benefits of Hypalon for RIB Retubing
1. Exceptional UV Resistance
The sun is the greatest enemy of any inflatable boat. Over time, UV rays break down the chemical bonds in cheaper materials like PVC, leading to "sticky tube syndrome," fading, and eventual fabric failure.
In Scotland, we might joke about the lack of sun, but UV degradation occurs even on overcast days. Hypalon is virtually unaffected by sunlight. It doesn't become brittle or crack, ensuring that your boat looks and performs like new for decades, rather than just a few seasons.
2. Resistance to Chemicals and Fuel
RIBs are workhorses. Whether you are using yours for commercial diving, safety cover, or family leisure, the tubes are frequently exposed to petrol, oil, and harsh cleaning chemicals. Hypalon is highly resistant to these substances. While fuel spills can cause permanent damage to PVC tubes, Hypalon’s robust chemical structure allows it to withstand accidental exposure without delaminating or softening.
3. Ease of Repair
One of the most significant advantages of Hypalon is how it behaves when it needs a repair. Because Hypalon is a "cold-bond" material, it can be repaired easily in situ using a two-part contact adhesive.
Unlike PVC, which often requires heat-welding equipment for a permanent fix, Hypalon patches bond chemically to the original fabric. This makes it much easier for our technicians in Livingston to perform seamless, airtight repairs that are often stronger than the original fabric itself.
4. Longevity and Value for Money
A Hypalon retube is an investment in the future of your vessel. While the initial cost of Hypalon is higher than PVC, the lifespan is significantly longer. A well-maintained Hypalon tube can last 20 to 30 years, whereas PVC tubes often begin to fail at the 10-year mark. When you consider the resale value of your RIB, a boat with Hypalon tubes is always more desirable and holds its price far better on the second-hand market.
5. Temperature Stability
The UK climate can be unpredictable. Hypalon remains stable across a massive temperature range. It doesn't soften in the heat of a rare summer afternoon or become stiff and prone to cracking during a freezing winter. This flexibility ensures the airtight integrity of your tubes regardless of the weather.
6. Colour Versatility
Beyond its legendary durability, one of the premier benefits of choosing Orca Hypalon for your retube is the unparalleled aesthetic freedom it offers. While traditional utility boats often stick to greys and blacks, Orca’s extensive palette allows you to fully customise your vessel to match your brand, your style, or even the original heritage of the hull.
From vibrant "Sunflower Yellow" and "Etna Red" to sophisticated "Cappuccino Carbon" and "Neptune Grey," the range features over 30 distinct colours and various textures, including "Fabric Impression" and "Carbon" finishes. Whether you are looking for high-visibility safety colours for a commercial RIB in the North Sea or a sleek, modern look for a leisure cruiser in the Lake District, Orca provides the perfect shade without compromising on the material's world-class UV and chemical resistance.
Professional UK-wide RIB Retubing in Livingston, Scotland
At RIB Retube, we take pride in our craftsmanship. Based in Livingston, we are perfectly positioned to serve RIB owners in Northern England, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and throughout Scotland.
Retubing is a meticulous process. It involves stripping the old, degraded tubes, preparing the GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) hull, and hand-crafting a new set of tubes tailored specifically to your boat’s dimensions. By choosing Hypalon for this process, you are ensuring that your hull—which can last a lifetime—is paired with a collar that matches its durability.
Our Services Include:
- Full RIB Retubing: Give your boat a complete makeover with high-quality Orca Hypalon in a variety of colors and finishes.
- Professional Repairs: From minor punctures to major structural fabric failures.
- Wear Patch Installation: Adding extra protection to high-friction areas.
- Valve Replacement: Ensuring your tubes stay inflated and reliable.
- RIB Hull repair: Addressing everything from minor cosmetic flaws to significant structural damage.
- RIB Outboard Engines: Dedicated specialists for Suzuki and Mercury RIB outboard engines
Conclusion
Your RIB is your gateway to the incredible UK coastline. Don't let degraded tubes or damaged hulls keep you stuck in the marina. By choosing Orca Hypalon for your next retube or repair, you are choosing safety, durability, and peace of mind.
If your RIB is looking tired, losing air, or showing signs of UV damage, the team at RIB Retube is here to help. Located conveniently in Livingston, Edinburgh, we provide the highest standard of Hypalon craftsmanship to get you back on the water.
Contact us today for a quote and let’s get your RIB back to its best.
