How to tell difference between PVC and Hypalon?

[cymeryss]

This is my first post and may not be fully on the the right topic but I am in the process of buying a 1990 Zodiac Mark III Grand Raid and was wondering how to tell what material it is made from. So far I have gathered the following:
1. PVC is rougher than Hypalon (its very smooth)
2. PVC is shiny on the bonds because it is welded (thermo-bonded)
3. Hypalon has just one overlap with glue sometimes brown from UV or lifting off at various spots.

It seems like this is still not enough info to truly tell 100% one from the other since some of there 'symptoms' are not so obvious. Any help in determining which one it is would be helpfull. Thanks.

[Sealion]

http://www.zodiacmilpro.com/product/zodiac/MK3GR.pdf
Most zodiacs are PVC, but the comercial and military spec models are Hypalon. There are a few older glued pvc boats still around. most pvc boats are welded together

[D'ARTOIS]

There is a siginificant difference between PVC and HYPALON. I have had a Grand Raid myself some many years ago.
PVC = Polyvinylchloride is used to make cheap floating vessels and can never compete in quality with Neoprene fabrics as Hypalon (DuPont Trademark).
Hypalon is highly resistant against UV radiation and also resitant against chemicals as well as high temperatures.
It was late Cmdr. Jaques Cousteau - one of the original inventors of the inflatable - who started to use this material/fabric for the production of his designs.
To compare PVC with HYPALON is one thing one shouldn't do.

Then: The Grand Raid Mk III is a good boat. I have fine memories of many fishing tours and saving floating furniture from the sea when a storm had tampered with the beach-places that were lined up along the strand of our village.

[kach22i]

How does polyurethane fabric stack up?

Link:
http://www.wing.com/polyurethane.htm

Quote:

Cooley’s 40oz nylon based, 100% PolyUrethane material offers four times the abrasion resistance and greater tear or tensile strength compared to Hypalon® /neoprene layered fabric of comparable weight.

[jimisbell]

[quote=D'ARTOIS]
To compare PVC with HYPALON is one thing one shouldn't do.

Unless one wants to know which is which as the original poster was trying to do....#8-) This "comparison" is needed if one is to make sure what kind of boat one is getting.