what tubes are best

[bigmike35]

im reading about polyurethane says far better than hypolon and pvc whats your thaughts if ok were can i get them?

[sunrider]

Last year I bought a couple of RIBs from the government and one had Urethane tubes made by Wing (see http://www.wing.com/polyurethane.htm for product info and specs). In the last year I've had the opportunity to work with them by taking one set off and replacing it with a new set I also got at auction, gluing on some necessary attachments, and in repairing some small holes in the old tube set.

I found them easy to work with in regard to gluing (but no better than hypalon), but more difficult to make a good looking repair - the work I did was easy so can't comment on if they are more difficult for the more challenging jobs.

But my main observation is that they don't seem to age as well as hypalon (even though all the product info claims they do). Rather than the oxidization that is common and somewhat restorable with hypalon tubes, these turn a kind of oily color than cannot be improved (see attached photo). I've seen many active military boats with these tubes in the last year, both grey and orange, and noticed the same thing...confirmed by some of the boat operators.

For me, if I have the choice, it will be hypalon.

[Ribshop]

Hypalon every time

[Ezgoing]

if you look at the experienced users who put thier boats through a lot of hard work they sem to use hypalon.

If its good enough for RNLI, army dive clubs, charter ribs .........

[paul tilley]

i started making tubes 26years ago and still think there is no substitute for hypalon

[DepSol]

Originally Posted by bigmike35

im reading about polyurethane says far better than hypolon and pvc whats your thaughts if ok were can i get them?

Paul Tilleys are best.

[craig_c]

We have used henshaw inflatbles and they have always performed superbly. our first was a tinker dinghy which we bought when we were yotties and its still in excellent condition also had 2 or 3 ribs with henshaw tubes and never had any bother

[jersey steve]

Originally Posted by paul tilley

i started making tubes 26years ago and still think there is no substitute for hypalon

Hi Paul I am new to ribnet could you or
any ribers out there give me some advice on how to repair tear in hypalon
tubes.Tear in awkward place just before end cone underneath.Thanks.

[Millermob]

You might want to look through this:

Can this be fixed??

Freddie

[paul tilley]

steve phone me on 07815 144269 and i will talk you through your repair