As a Yacht Owner, Captain or Crew Member – this question might often be asked – what is the better material for inflatable fenders – Hypalon, PVC or PU?
Hypalon Inflatable Fenders
For over 50 years Hypalon has been the market leading material – renowned for impressive ultra violet stability and abrasion resistance, they have been (and often still are) the preferred choice where maximum durability is required for inflatable marine products such as fenders, rib boats and tenders. For the roughest conditions or unforgiving commercial dock situations, Hypalon is often the preferred choice.
Our maxiStow inflatable Hypalon Fenders are manufactured from the highest quality 1500gsm/1670 Dtex Hypalon fabric and feature quad layered glued seams. Customers should consider the increase in weight (approx 15% heavier when compared to an equivalent HDPVC fender). There is also a noticeable increase in price, but for the assurances that Hypalon provides, many Captains/Crew feel this is a premium worth paying.
maxiStow HDPVC Inflatable Fenders
maxiStow HDPVC (Heavy Duty PVC) fenders are made from a premium European PVC that comes with a 10 year UV rating, which is more than enough for the life of an average fender.
Additionally, most superyacht inflatable fenders are fitted with a set of Fendequip’s range Fender Covers, which will undoubtedly decrease the exposure to sunlight, so why worry about UV at all and concentrate on the other factors, such as reduced weight, abrasion resistance, seam strength / integrity, cost and repairability.
Hypalon vs HDPVC – Conclusion
Captains and crew from many luxury yachts and superyachts around the world are now recognising the quality and durability of our professional range of maxiStow HDPVC inflatable fenders and trust them to protect their yachts in all mooring and docking situations, no matter the circumstance or weather conditions.
Contact us today to discuss your fendering requirements, whether its PVC or HYPALON fenders, you can be sure we have the right solution for you.
PU (Polyurethane) Inflatable Fenders – best all-rounder?
Customers should also consider PU (Polyurethane) when specifying new maxiStow Inflatable Fenders. With outstanding abrasion resistance properties (see video below) but without the significant price increase often seen with Hypalon fenders, PU is often chosen as the best all-rounder inflatable fender material, especially for large Yachts & Superyachts who would have traditionally only considered Hypalon as their go-to choice for durable inflatable fenders.
Manufactured with welded seams all round as well as a quad-layer reinforcing base, PU is actually classed with a higher puncture resistance than Hypalon or HDPVC fender equivalents.
Did you know?…
Methane gas storage covers are exposed to some of the harshest of environments, so what do you think are they made of, PVC or HYPALON?โฆ..
Well next time youโre driving around the countryside of the UK, Europe and North America have a look out for large dome shaped buildings. These are Anaerobic Digestion plants that contain Biogas, the buildings Digester Cover is continually exposed to UV and are open to some of the harshest weather conditions 24/7 โ are these domes made from HYPALON? No, they are actually manufactured primarily of PVC!
