What type of fabric is used for inflatable boats?

An inflatable boat or RIB boat can be made of 2 different fabrics:

PVC (at Zodiac this is called Strongan Duotex) or Neoprene Hyapalon.

Each type of fabric is produced in different qualities, colors and thicknesses.

Zodiac only uses the highest quality fabrics for its production of inflatable boats.

On Zodiac PVC inflatable boats, the seams are welded (thermally melted), making this connection almost indestructible.

Inflatables with a tube made of Neoprene Hypalon fabric are manually glued because this type of material cannot be welded. 

If you would sand Neoprene Hypalon fabric, sanding will come off. This is not the case with a PVC fabric. You often see at edges of Neoprene fabric that some "hairs" develop over the years, this is not the case with a PVC fabric. 

Neoprene Hypalon is more resistant to aggressive cleaning products and long-term exposure to UV radiation. 

For each type of inflatable boat material, you must at all times clean the fabric with some regularity with the right products.

Zodiac recommends the Blue Marine inflatable boatcleaner and the accompanying protection products.

All other products can damage the fabric of your boat and are not approved by Zodiac.