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Anyone know anythign about these? Prices look too good to be true.
Aqua Max Inflatables
- Thread starter CaptCrunch
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"Aqua Max boasts industry leading 1210 Dtex 9mm PVCS fabric imported from South Korea..."
There you have it. Other than price (NOT to be confused with value), PVC has not a single advantage over Hypalon.
There you have it. Other than price (NOT to be confused with value), PVC has not a single advantage over Hypalon.
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what's the difference between the who?
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Great to know, these thigns sound like a read deal then
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I wouldn't say 'much' lighter. Unless you're looking in the 14'+ range, the scant savings in weight is greatly overshadowed by the inferior service life and 'repairability'. PVC doesn't have half the abrasion resistance, is very susceptible to UV and petroleum damage (which is irreversible), and doesn't glue well at all. A properly glued Hypalon seam will be stronger (in terms of shear strength) than the surrounding fabric. PVC not so. With even casual care, Hypalon will outlive well cared for PVC many times over.
For an example of the weight difference, look at Mercury's 430HD: The PVC version is 254lbs, the Hypalon is 278lbs. So, on a 14'01" inflatable, you're only looking at a 24lb increase in Hypalon over PVC, or less than 10%. Throughout most brand's model lines that offer PVC or Hypalon in the same design and construction of the same model, you'll find that the difference in weight is right around 8-10%.
Like anything else, though, it's all a matter of intended use and care. If you're looking for an inflatable at a low price point that will only see occasional light service use, will be stored out of the sun when not in use, and service life and resale aren't an important consideration, PVC may be worth looking into. I'd advise great caution if a gasoline outboard is in the picture, though, as PVC is highly susceptible to damage from gasoline and petroleum products. It develops a 'set' to the fabric rather easily, as well, such as when it's left lying afloat with an outboard attached. (Hypalon will eventually do this as well, but it's not permanent like with PVC. My Avon had a bit of sag to it last year that was easily corrected by leaving it fully inflated upside down for a bit over the winter.)
For an example of the weight difference, look at Mercury's 430HD: The PVC version is 254lbs, the Hypalon is 278lbs. So, on a 14'01" inflatable, you're only looking at a 24lb increase in Hypalon over PVC, or less than 10%. Throughout most brand's model lines that offer PVC or Hypalon in the same design and construction of the same model, you'll find that the difference in weight is right around 8-10%.
Like anything else, though, it's all a matter of intended use and care. If you're looking for an inflatable at a low price point that will only see occasional light service use, will be stored out of the sun when not in use, and service life and resale aren't an important consideration, PVC may be worth looking into. I'd advise great caution if a gasoline outboard is in the picture, though, as PVC is highly susceptible to damage from gasoline and petroleum products. It develops a 'set' to the fabric rather easily, as well, such as when it's left lying afloat with an outboard attached. (Hypalon will eventually do this as well, but it's not permanent like with PVC. My Avon had a bit of sag to it last year that was easily corrected by leaving it fully inflated upside down for a bit over the winter.)
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that's interesting to know. I am planning on using an 8hp merc with it. based on this it sounds like pvc may not be too good?
PVC is fine for many of us. I have a 15 year old OMC Zodiac, stored outside in the sun 6 months a year and it is still kicking. I use it with an 8hp Merc, which pushes it just fine. Many have reported good luck with the Korean PVC boats, they seem to be sold under a few names. As Mike mentions, if you are going to be dragging the boat over rocks or crushed shells, then you probably want the hypalon.
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just looking to use it as a tender and to toy around in the bay with. so I should be okw ith pvc?
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We just purchased a PVC SeaMax inflatable made in Korea. We went through the same questions you have. Finally decided to buy it because of this statement from InflatableBoats.net:
The bottom line is that if you plan to leave your boat inflated most of the time and use it frequently, then a quality hypalon boat from a good manufacturer is the obvious choice.
However, if what you want is a lightweight boat that can be rolled up, stored in a bag, and carried anywhere (portability being the key feature of inflatables after all), then go with PVC inflatable boats. Pick a brand name with a proven record for quality, technology, and offering a solid warranty, and your PVC boat or kayak will give you many years of enjoyment.
The bottom line is that if you plan to leave your boat inflated most of the time and use it frequently, then a quality hypalon boat from a good manufacturer is the obvious choice.
However, if what you want is a lightweight boat that can be rolled up, stored in a bag, and carried anywhere (portability being the key feature of inflatables after all), then go with PVC inflatable boats. Pick a brand name with a proven record for quality, technology, and offering a solid warranty, and your PVC boat or kayak will give you many years of enjoyment.
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Portability - I suppose I didn't give that factor it's due. While the weight difference in PVC vs. Hypalon is negligible, there's no doubt that the material itself (PVC) is more flexible, and can roll up into a smaller 'package' than Hypalon.
Bob - I just copied and pasted that from their website. As far as I know, I've never laid eyes on an Aqua Max.
Bob - I just copied and pasted that from their website. As far as I know, I've never laid eyes on an Aqua Max.
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I figured that. Wasn't trying to be a wise guy, just clarify.
9mm would be .35 inch or about 1/3 if an inch. Makes a good bullet size but would be VERY thick material for an inflatable. But then again, .9mm, which would be .035 inch seems very thin.
Bob