The majority of inflatable dinghies are manufactured from either PVC or Hypalon. Hypalon is a brand name of a synthetic rubber called CSM, or Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene CSPE.

UV stabilised PVC is the the benchmark fabric for inflatable dinghies, suitable for use in a temperate climate. Hypalon is more expensive but has a much longer working life, especially in a tropical climate. Hypalon has excellent resistance to direct sunlight damage, temperature extremes and chemicals.

PVC is a good all round material for making inflatable boats with an average life cycle of 8-10 years.
PVC is generally lighter than Hypalon.
PVC is also available in a special light weight fabric.  This is used in the Go-Lite range

Hypalon is more expensive, but it has a much longer working life than PVC with an average life cycle of 15-20 years in a marine environment.

Hypalon has significantly better resistance against:

1. The effects of prolonged exposure to strong, direct sunlight (Ultra Violet), temperature extremes and heat in general.
2. Chemicals
3. Abrasion and Impact

At Pro Marine Store, we have chosen SeaGo as our preferred dinghy partner.  Our range of dinghies and their construction fabrics is as follows:

1. Our Spirit range, made with 1100 Decitex 900g PVC
2. Our Hypalon range, made with 1200 Decitex Hypalon
3. Our Go-Lite range, made of light weight 1100 Decitex 700g PVC

Seago boats are all built to the highest quality conforming to BS EN and CE standards.

Each Seago dinghy is clearly rated for maximum capability: people carrying, load capacity and outboard motor horse power.

The table below breaks down the specifications for our dinghies, for easy comparison.  Please note, ADK stands for Air Deck

Airdeck or Slatted Floor?

Slatted floor dinghies are lighter to carry if transporting your dinghy by hand over land, but once on the water, Airdeck dinghies have significantly better handling characteristics, rigidity, comfort underfoot, and usability, due to their flat solid floor.  Modern Airdeck dinghies have become more rigid due to the higher air pressures achievable, but also give you the ability to pack the dinghy down into a smaller space as there are no solid components to deal with, other than the dinghy's transom.  They also give users more confidence as you are shielded from the water more than a slatted wooden-floor dinghy.  Additionally, some models have an inflatable keel, which is inflated under the floor.  This gives the dinghy a v-shape to its hull, creating grip and manoeuvrability that flat-bottomed dinghies cannot achieve.

Finally, when choosing a dinghy, make sure it comes with everything you need to get out on the water.  All our dinghies come as a package, containing everything you need, including carry bag, pump, oars, seats and repair kit.  The only things you need to add is water, and a lifejacket!