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Inflatable tubes are made of a variety of materials. The low end swimming-pool boats are vinyl, and are easily damaged. Boats designed for heavy use are generally made of woven polyester fabric with material applied to both sides to make the material airtight. The fabric is available in a number of weights, the heavier being more rugged. The coatings can be neoprene, PVC, Hypalon, or a combination of these and other materials. Hypalon seems to hold up the best, as it is the most resistant to sunlight and pollutants. No matter the material, all inflatables benefit from regular cleaning and the application of a protectant (avoid silicone products, since patching becomes very problematic).
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