There are typically three materials in use today:
- Neoprene/Hypalon (now also known as CSM)
- Polyurethane
- PVC
Each of these materials are available on the market in a range of qualities and thicknesses.
Each boat manufacturer uses tube fabric that is specific to their goals, and manufacturing process and each material type has specific qualities that make it more or less suitable for a given application. The most common trade-off is between raw material or manufacturing cost and durability. Consumer grade boats often choose to favor reducing costs over quality and durability, and this often means that the tubes just don’t hold up over time.
We exclusively use high-quality Neoprene/Hypalon that is approved for rescue boat use in our tube sets.
As a manufacturer we are capable of building replacement tubes or sponsons in-house that will fit your boat. We do not stock replacement tubes from other manufacturers.
We believe Hypalon has excellent durability, longevity proven by it’s history of successful use around the world for over 50 years.
For budgetary purposes, estimate Hypalon replacement tubes at approximately $1000 per foot.
This is a labour intensive activity, and pricing can vary depending on tube diameter, material and overlay choices, options/accessories, logos/names/numbers, the number of air chambers, and condition of the hull.
This price quoted would typically include:
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- Removal of the old tube set
- Manufacture of the new tube set
- Installation of optional items and ‘dressing’ of the tube
- Preparation of the hull
- Installation
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Please email service@polarisboats.com with details of your project to get started. Please include photos of your tubes & boat to help with quoting.
If you find that the tubes on your rigid hull boat have not withstood the test of time, the elements, or some unexpected disaster like a bear attack we can likely build you a new replacement set of tubes.
Polaris has provided new tube sets for many rigid-hulled inflatable boat manufacturers such as Zodiac, Novurania, Avon, Caribe and others.
Replacement Hulls
Although not as common as tube replacements, Polaris has experience fitting new hulls to existing tubes. If you have a fiberglass hull or a fabric bottom that is damaged beyond repair but the tubes are in good condition, you may want to consider a new hull for your tubes as an alternative to buying a new boat.