Different Hull Fabrics are Used by Different Manufacturers.
a) PVC
This material may seem quite robust because of its
cloth support. However, PVC (vinyl) is soft and abrades rela-
tively easily. It has very poor UV resistance, and after a few
years becomes quite brittle. Its main advantage is that it is
inexpensive (about one quarter the cost of hypalon and
Duratek). PVC can also be welded.
b) Urethane:
This is a very hard and abrasion-resistant materi-
al. It is also considerably lighter than hypalon, and is more
resistant to many toxic chemicals. Previously, we could not use
urethane as a hull fabric because it was incredibly difficult to
bond using traditional glueing methods. But we knew it could
be welded, and that this was the direction we wanted to go.
A special fabric was developed for us to use as a hull fabric.
New equipment has also become available allowing us to cre-
ate the complicated shapes and curves of our hulls.
c) Hypalon:
This has traditionally been the standard for expe-
dition-style skin kayaks. Hypalon is basically neoprene (a
synthetic rubber) with additives patented and supplied by
DuPont. These increase UV resistance and allow the material
to be dyed. The best hypalon is still made in Europe. The type
we used for years, came from France. We changed our hull
fabric for two reasons: one, to get away from the toxic chemi-
cals required to fabricate the hulls; and two, for our sit-in
models, we wanted to weld a skin that would be completely
sealed, water-tight and dry. Hypalon can not be welded.
How tough is the hull?
The hull is extremely durable. With some care, you should
get 10 to 15 years of use. You should treat the craft with the
same respect and care that you would a fiberglass hull. Try
to avoid dragging it over rocks, or crashing it onto coral or
barnacles. But don’t worry, if it is unavoidable, it can take the
abuse. (We just don’t recommend it all the time.) The interest-
ing thing with a skin hull, if you meet up with a solid object
like a rock or chunk of coral, the fabric “gives”, so the impact
is not as intense. A fibreglass hull would just “crunch”.
Can I repair the hull?
Patching the hull is similar to patching a bicycle tire. Aqua
Seal can be used to fill small cosmetic nicks. To make a quick
fix with duct tape, or one of the “Quick Patches”, first clean
the area with rubbing alcohol or Cotol. Patching instructions
are detailed on the adhesive in the repair kit.
The Deck
The deck fabric is polyester with a light coating of urethane
on the underside. Allow the skin to dry completely before
rolling up for storage.
The Frame
The frame is made from 6061-T6, and 6063-T832 anodized
magnesium/aluminum alloy, and is the strongest, yet lightest
in weight. This same alloy is used extensively in the aircraft
industry. We have had surprisingly few repairs, considering
airline
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