Tube colour - help.

[Trimix]

Im wondering if Black tubes would become too hot to use for my boat in the Med. Im talking about too hot to sit on, not from expansion, as I would fit valves for that.

Anyone any first hand experience. I like dark colours, but all the RIB's Ive seen in the Med have light coloured tubes - is that because they know, or just dont like dark colours.

Also, do tube colours fade ?

[thomas]

Go for a light colour, I have a Scorpion with white tubes next to me and when my dark tubes were baking his were stone cold, I'd go for white or grey next time.

I've only ever seen really old tubes that have faded.

[matt h]

Yep. way too hot hence they all grey or white!!

[willk]

Pale colours for hot conditions. In addition, you'll need to consider sun protection - either anti-UV conditioners or covers. Sun is very hard on plastics, more than just bleaching them.

[mick]

I have dark blue and they do get hot in the sun black doesn't seem to be as bad as the blue for some reason

[Trimix]

Bummer, I really fancy some black tubes.............

Just how hot do they get, too hot to touch, or just hot ?

[willk]

Try it some day. Put a few bits of different coloured material (rubber or plastic) out in the sun for an hour and try them - the difference is startling!

[mick]

You could burn your arse on my blue ones in 30 c

[willk]

Originally Posted by mick

You could burn your arse on my blue ones in 30 c

[mick]

Originally Posted by willk

Notice I said you could not I did not like the girls in there bikinis

[SPR]

Originally Posted by mick

Notice I said you could not I did not like the girls in there bikinis

that's because you use protection and always wear a rubber....

[Maximus]

I have Black Tubes...(on the Boat befor Wilk steps in!) and in the pretty Hot weather we've had here this summer its not been an issue at all...and I keep em pretty well pumped up!..
I couldn't say with your climate it would be the same though as I don't know...Although most Warm water RIB's seem to be light in colour,I'm not sure if that is not more to do with local Fashion/Styleing ???
..One tip.. the wear patches I have fitted don't warm up at all compared to the rest of the Tubes...and the Girls seem to sit there when its hot.
I am a firm believer in U.V Protection for any colour Tubes,and its one of the best things to prolong their look, and life span.
If your Boat is going on a Mooring and,or out in the elements, I'd go Light..if its Trailered and put away...you MAY be Ok.
Even over here...all colours soon Fade if they are outside and not well looked after.
Good luck and let us see what you end up with