ORCA Hypalon (CSM/CR) Fabric by the Metre

ORCA Hypalon fabrics for RIB and tender tubes

A CSM/CR fabric is a high-tenacity polyester cloth coated with chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), better known as Hypalon®, and with polychloroprene (CR), in other words neoprene. It is the material used for the tubes of premium and professional RIBs: it withstands UV, heat, fuel and abrasion better than PVC, and it is bonded with a two-part neoprene adhesive.

ORCA® is the coated fabrics brand of Pennel & Flipo. ORCA Retail is the manufacturer's online shop: you buy the fabric straight from the source. ORCA fabrics suit Hypalon tubes of all brands: Zodiac, Bombard, 3D Tender, Highfield, BRIG, AB Inflatables, Capelli, Nuova Jolly…

ORCA 820, 828 or 866: which fabric should I choose?

All three fabrics have a CSM/CR coating and are 145 cm wide. They are sold by the linear metre: 1 metre = 100 × 145 cm. For a boat that is used a lot or exposed to the sun all year round, choose the heaviest fabric.

Fabrics for the inside of the tube and for reinforcement

• ORCA 261 664 NB: two layers of neoprene (CR), no CSM, for baffles and the inside of tubes. NB (Non Buffing) finish: it bonds without sanding. Black, 620 g/m², 145 cm wide.
• ORCA TECH 288 reinforcement sheet: black CSM in 100 × 150 cm sheets, 0.70, 1.40, 2.50 or 3.00 mm thick, to protect areas that rub (front of the tube, diver entry points, mooring).
• Colour and finish swatch fan: a sample of every colour and finish, to choose before ordering. See also our colour chart.

Repairing a Hypalon tube: the steps

1. Check that the tube really is Hypalon (CSM/CR): PVC glue does not hold on Hypalon.
2. Choose the ORCA fabric to suit the size and use of the boat, then the colour closest to your tubes.
3. Bond it with ORCA Glue neoprene adhesive mixed with ORCA RFE hardener, or the glue + hardener kit, following the ORCA gluing guide (PDF, in French).
4. Protect exposed areas with a rubbing strake or a TECH 288 reinforcement sheet.

Step by step: changing or repairing a RIB tube, reinforcing RIB tubes and retubing: replacing the tubes. To have the work done by a professional, see our list of repairers.

Frequently asked questions

Hypalon or PVC: what is the difference?

Hypalon (CSM/CR) withstands UV, heat, fuel and abrasion better than PVC. It is used on professional RIBs and on boats used in the sun all year round. It is bonded with a two-part neoprene adhesive, never with PVC glue.

How can I tell whether my tube is Hypalon or PVC?

The safest way is the manufacturer's manual or plate. Otherwise, a Hypalon tube has glued seams and a rather matt look, while a PVC tube is often welded and shinier. If in doubt, send us a photo through the contact page.

Is Hypalon still made?

Hypalon® is a DuPont trademark, and DuPont stopped producing this polymer in 2010. CSM is still made by other producers and ORCA fabrics are still coated with it: people keep saying "Hypalon" out of habit.

How much fabric should I order?

Measure the area to be replaced and add the overlap needed for gluing. The fabric is sold by the linear metre, 145 cm wide: enter the number of metres in the quantity field.

Do you offer trade prices?

Yes. Boatyards, charter companies and repairers: email us at retail@orca.eu or use the contact page for a quote, a colour from the range that is not listed, or volume discounts.