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This is an important question that we are asked almost daily.

One of the major components of repairing or painting your inflatable boat is knowing which type of fabric it is made of. This is important to know as there are different preparation methods that need to be completed before painting or repairing your inflatable boat.

Hypalon Fabric:

Traditionally hypalon fabric is assembled using hand glued seams. The 2 panels are glued, one overlapping the other. A good indicator that your inflatable boat is made of hypalon fabric is by scratching the fabric with your nail. If a scratch mark appears, your inflatable boat fabric is most likely made of hypalon fabric. You might also notice dried glue (browned from the sun) or small areas that are lifting and coming unglued.

PVC Fabric: (also known as Strogan Fabric)

PVC fabric is typically assembled using the Robotized hot assembly technique; where by two fabrics are “heat welded” between an exterior reinforcement band and an interior airtight band. What you end up seeing is the exterior band, with 2 boarders.

Most PVC boats have some areas that are also glued on. These areas are often found around the transom, sometimes the floor and some small parts and handles too.

The basic difference between boat manufacturer’s fabric is the chemical composition of the materials used. This of course is a big factor when repairing your inflatable boat, as the two fabrics require different preparation before the glue adhesive can be applied. The two fabrics also require different glues for their repair process, making this information important to know before making your repair.

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Inflatable boat repair information and procedures

For more information on the different types of fabric: click here

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