Most boat manufactures use two general types of coated materials – synthetic rubber (Hypalon or neoprene) or plastic polymers (PVC or urethane) in their inflatable's. PVC and Urethane are Coatings over either nylon or polyester fabric, as is hypalon a coating over nylon or polyester fabric.

The fastest and most reliable way to tell is apply a small amount of MEK to outer surface. IF the fabric is Hypalon it will do nothing. PVC/Urethane will soften up and get sticky. If you can see both sides of the material -- from a tear, loose seam or by removing a valve. If the two sides of the material are different colors, it’s probably Hypalon or neoprene. Toluol will do nothing to PVC/Urethane but is the solvent used with Hypalon.
Another way to check would be to look at our Boat Reference Chart. The first three letters of the HIN are the Manufacturer’s Identification Code (MIC). The following link is to a U.S. Coast Guard database, where entering that three letter MIC will get you the manufacturer of the boat.http://www.uscgboating.org/recalls/mic_database.htm.

Repair materials and adhesives don’t cross over on the two types of material, so take the time to figure it out. Getting the right stuff the first time will save you a lot of frustration! Check out our full line of inflatable repair Items.

Questions: Call The Raft Doctor 503-788-3077 or use our contacts page.