Deciding whether to repair or retube your RIB often leads to one critical question: PVC or Hypalon? For boat owners across Scotland and Northern England, making the right choice is the difference between a quick fix and a long-term investment that survives the North Sea and the Atlantic.
While both materials have their place in the marine industry, they are chemically distinct and require entirely different care, adhesives, and repair techniques. In this FAQ, we break down how to identify your boat's fabric and why the material you choose dictates the future performance and resale value of your vessel.
How can I tell if my RIB is PVC or Hypalon?
There are three simple "field tests" you can perform at home or in the marina to tell if your RIB is PVC or Hypalon:
1. The Sanding Test: If you lightly sand an inconspicuous area, Hypalon will produce a fine dust and the surface will become dull/matt. PVC will not produce dust; it will usually just scratch or even start to "melt" and become shiny/sticky from the friction.
2. The Appearance of the Seams: Look at where the fabric overlaps. PVC seams are often "welded" (thermally bonded), appearing very flat and clean. Hypalon seams are always glued; you will often see a slight "overlap" or a tiny hint of glue residue at the edge of the seam or the tape.
3. The Back of the Fabric: If you can see the inside of the tube (through a valve or a tear), Hypalon usually has a dark grey or black neoprene backing. PVC is the same colour on both sides.
PVC or Hypalon, why does this matter for repairs?
It all comes down to chemistry. VC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a thermoplastic, while Hypalon is a synthetic rubber (a thermoset).
PVC glues work by slightly "melting" the surface of the fabric to create a solvent weld.
Hypalon glues (usually two-part contact adhesives) create a high-strength chemical bond between two surfaces.
If you use PVC glue on Hypalon, it simply won't stick. If you use Hypalon glue on PVC, it may hold temporarily but will eventually peel off (delaminate), often at the worst possible moment on the water.
Can the wrong cleaning solvent actually damage my boat?
Yes, and the damage can be permanent. To repair or retube a boat, the surface must be "prepped" with a solvent.
- For PVC: We typically use MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone). It softens the plastic to accept the glue. However, if you use a stronger solvent like Acetone too aggressively on PVC, it can "eat" the fabric, making it thin and structurally weak.
- For Hypalon: The surface is mechanically sanded (to create a "key") and then cleaned with Toluene or Acetone. Unlike PVC, Hypalon won't melt, but using the wrong chemical can leave an oily residue that prevents the glue from ever sticking properly.
I have a "sticky" boat—is that a chemical failure?
Usually, yes. This is a common question we get asked. "Sticky Tube Syndrome" is almost exclusive to PVC boats. It happens when the plasticisers in the material migrate to the surface due to UV damage or age. Once this chemical breakdown starts, glue will no longer stick to it. In this scenario, a professional Hypalon retube is the only permanent solution.
Which material, PVC or Hypalon, is better for the UK climate?
For owners in Scotland and Northern England, Hypalon is the superior choice. While PVC is more affordable, it struggles with the temperature fluctuations and high UV exposure (even on cloudy days) that we experience.
Hypalon is significantly more resistant to mechanical abrasion, fuel spills, and "sticky tube syndrome," making it the professional choice for the North Sea and Atlantic conditions.
Can I "upgrade" my PVC boat to Hypalon?
Absolutely. This is exactly what we specialise in at RIB Retube. If your GRP hull is in good condition but your PVC tubes are fading, leaking, or becoming sticky, we can strip the old PVC and fit a brand-new, custom-made Hypalon collar. This effectively gives you a professional-grade boat at a fraction of the cost of buying new.
Expert RIB Retubing Services for Scotland and Northern England
Whether you’ve confirmed you have Hypalon or you’ve realised your PVC tubes have reached the end of their life, RIB Retube is Northern UK's premier destination for rigid inflatable boat restoration.
Based in Livingston, just outside Edinburgh, we are perfectly located for boat owners across all of Scotland and the North of England. We offer:
- Precision Hypalon Retubing: Using world-class ORCA® fabrics.
- Structural Tube Repairs: Professional-grade bonding that DIY kits can’t match.
- Nationwide Appeal: We regularly welcome customers who travel from the Lake District, Yorkshire, and the Scottish Highlands for our specialist expertise.
Not sure what fabric you have? Contact our team today with a few photos of your boat, and we’ll help you identify your material and provide a free quote for a professional overhaul.
