Posted by Nic on August 31, 2001 at 14:33:48:
In Reply to: What to look for in inflatable posted by JRM on August 29, 2001 at 14:15:53:
One of the posts refers to PVC as an fabric material. Not true, the two fabrics used by all manufacturers is Nylon and Polyester. Nylon is a great material but gets brittle and cracks with age, which punctures and abrades the coating leading to bad problems. Nylon also stretches with over expansion and does not return fully to original spec's.
Polyester on the other hand is a superb material. It does everything Nylon will do but better. Polyester has greater punture resistance, will not stretch and remains plible after years of use.
The two coatings in use nowadays are PVC and Hypalon/Neoprene. Don'g even consider a PVC boat. PVC is used by manufacturers to allow robot welding to increase production speed. PVC has poor UV resistance and is difficult to bond in both permanent and emergency patch situations.
All Hypalon boats are cold bonded using two part glues and hand labor. Mil Spec is Cold Bond. Take a hint.
As for Motor, your on your own. =)