Expedition boat construction material ( inflatable )

[mjr]

Hi Guys
I am looking to ship an inflatable boat out to Greenland for expedition work.
I am a kayaker and have spent 10 + years guiding groups in this area so know the conditions and ice very well...
However I need your advice as to the best construction material for my future boat
Glued Hypolan vs HD welded PVC

A pal has used a Bombard C5 with no hassle for 20 + years However I am confused as to which way to go re modern tube materials. I know you always get what you pay for but PVC looks a lot less £££ and seems to have advantages..
The boat will be used for a couple months each year and then deflated and loosely stored in a container...
Any advice / suggestions much appreciated....
Thanks
Martin

[ShinyShoe]

what advantage do you think PVC offers other than cost

[Poly]

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

what advantage do you think PVC offers other than cost

Welded seams are potentially better as if it passes an inspection in Germany the seams should be fine for the life of the boat; glued seams can come apart - especially if left in bright sun etc, and finding suitable working conditions for regluing seams in Greenland (temp and humidity for 24hrs) might be tricky.

PU might actually be better still - weldability with a stronger material but don’t recall seeing PU sibs.

[ShinyShoe]

But presumably a master plan is still needed if a hole was to appear and needs patching. I've not come across a welding patch kit yet (ooh... is that patentable?)

Good glue on a good newer boat and it *shouldn't* happen. Thicker more robust material - less likely to get holed?

But... ...you're slipping Poly - surely the answer for such an inhospitable place for repairs is a boat unlikely to need repaired... a poly boat ?

[Poly]

[QUOTE=ShinyShoe;762799]But presumably a master plan is still needed if a hole was to appear and needs patching. I've not come across a welding patch kit yet (ooh... is that patentable?)[quote] gluing patches in borderline conditions is not quite as bad, and clamshell kits work well too...

Good glue on a good newer boat and it *shouldn't* happen.

if heat/sunlight is the softening factor it doesn’t matter how good it was - a heat gun works to debond glued things and dark materials absorb bright sun and get hot too. Of course hypalon boats survive those conditions but welded pvc might be better in the short-mid term.

But... ...you're slipping Poly - surely the answer for such an inhospitable place for repairs is a boat unlikely to need repaired... a poly boat ?

Of course it is if he has the storage space. But I like to let people see the light for themselves!

[jeffstevens763@g]

There was an articlal this year in power boat and rib a guy was doing expeditions in Greenland I think it was he had a zodiac 5.7 and a quicksilver 5.2 both are PVC. engines were evinrude 65 & 60 hp both boats heavy duty models. You can buy the issue on line some good info in it.

[mjr]

Thanks I will check it out.....

[mjr]

Unfortunately a poly boat is not an option due to transport and storage constraints.

[Arctic]

British Antarctic Survey have used Humber inflatable boats for many years, the 16ft version. They are Hypalon and seem to stand up well.

Like this:

http://www.ribworld.co.uk/shop/ribs_...table_50m|1029