Anyone tried a 1.8mm SIB?

[canuckjgc]

I found a manufacturer that makes a 1.8mm PVC 430 SIB. Has anyone tried such a boat? I suspect it will be a lot stiffer than 0.9mm on the water? Thoughts?

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Anyone tried a 1.8mm SIB?

I've never detected a difference in performance due to thickness of fabric...I don't now how anyone could. You would have to compare identical model boats that differed only in the fabric or the other variables would skew the test results. In theory, a thicker fabric would be heavier thereby reducing performance due to weight. I doubt that it would be a pertinent difference though. You might want to think in terms of the difference between PVC and Hypalon fabrics and simply go Hypalon for a more durable boat.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Anyone tried a 1.8mm SIB?

1.2 mm is already thick, 45% thicker than any 0.9 mm fabric, think about rigidity in terms of how well is your sib inflated to, matching manufacturer work pressure specs once sib is on water.

1.5 & 1.8 fabrics are for extra heavy duty work & river boats, weights much more than 0.9 & 1.2 fabrics, are you planning to build a Rambo type boat for lake uses. to use once in a while ?

If extra weight, extra money are not big deal issues, you have the final decision. Each with its theme.

Happy Boating

 

[canuckjgc]

Re: Anyone tried a 1.8mm SIB?

Thanks - I live on the West Coast and most beaches have rocks and barnacles - I want to avoid a puncture. The 1.8mm from China is cheaper than the 0.9mm sold here. But if you think the boat will be a "dog" on the water, I'll re-think it.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Anyone tried a 1.8mm SIB?

I wouldn't call it a dog. But, PVC is no where near as strong or durable as Hypalon. You would be better off going to a Hypalon fabric boat regardless of brand.

 

[canuckjgc]

Re: Anyone tried a 1.8mm SIB?

I agree but budget won't allow for Hypalon at 3X the price.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Anyone tried a 1.8mm SIB?

I agree but budget won't allow for Hypalon at 3X the price.

Manufacturers in order to make cheaper and affordable hypalon boats uses very thin 0.8 & 0.9 mm fabrics and 1.0 mm on larger boats, barnacles will rip/tear the tubes easyly, I think you need a kevlar sib.

Happy Boating

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Anyone tried a 1.8mm SIB?

Price is and should always be a factor. But, lets look at some other points too. A ChiCom boat does not have a warranty(doesn't matter what they say, you have no way to use or enforce it). PVC is less durable, regardless of thickness. PVC comes unglued and PVC looses strength with exposure to UV. What price are you finding on a PVC 430 delivered to you? A high end Hypalon is about $3000.00 in the U.S. and a name brand PVC 430 with a real warranty can be had for about $2300.00. I just hate to see you import a ChiCom boat yourself and get stung.

 

[canuckjgc]

Re: Anyone tried a 1.8mm SIB?

Boats are more expensive here in Canada. I understand what you are saying, but even the name brand lower priced PVC boats are made in China - I'm just going to the source. A 15.5 ft boat with 1.8mm PVC, fiberglass reinforced transom 1.5" thick, 14cm bottom strake on center and under tubes, aluminum floor and aluminum seats is $1500 all in. They make boats for other "brands" and they are certified to sell boats here.

I agree it is a bit more risky, but I can't find an equivalent PVC boat to buy at any price - nearly all are 0.9, a few at 1.2, and none have strakes along the tubes or double bottoms, very few have 20" tubes. A 15.5 ft hypalon boat would run me well over $5000 here, none with 20" tubes at that price. $5000 will get me the boat, a new trailer, and a slightly used Yamaha 2 stroke with at least $1000 left over.

If it lasts me 5-7 years I'm happy as I'd be ready for another boat, regardless of what I buy now.

Warranty is an issue, but I'll pay at least double for that privilege.

That's my thinking, but if I'm missing something I'm all ears here. I do welcome your input.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Anyone tried a 1.8mm SIB?

Some PVC boats are made in China, some are not. For instance, the Mercury PVC model is made in China, but Zodiac is made in France. There are also some Korean boats that you would be better off with then the ChiCom no names. You might take a look at the Zebec line in Canada. I would also stop thinking about the thickness of the PVC as being really relative to a sturdiness or durability level for the boat. Fabric thickness, within reason, isn't important. You should be more concerned with the denier of the material and even that isn't critical. PVC boat quality and durability is more about seam construction and method of adhering...Heat welding being superior to hand gluing.