08-06-2008, 03:05 PM
I just wanted to come out and say that I am sorry for giving out unfounded information on my part.
I would like to correct things by saying I am not an engineer so, I too went with what I had heard, read and experienced.
There is no difference in Vinyl and Urethane , other than durability, longevity, weight and cost.
For some of you that only get out maybe 2 to 3 times a month, the the longevity, durability and weight is not going to be an issue, although I would check every new year for any signs of decay, just like a car tire. Just because it isn't being used it will still decay.
Outer cover and how it is put together is the biggest issue., but not the only issue, the bladder must be strong also.
Here is a little example from which some of my advise was achieved.
Back in the days of Anglers Inn, My hubby and two brother in laws bought the Expedition 8' pontoon (all three are still in use). The forth brother in-law a little short for money, was offered a BASKET CASE deal on one. By that I mean the frame was the Expedition Steel frame, but one pontoon was Urethane and the other Vinyl. Same outer cover on both and same Halkey Roberts valves. He experienced the vinyl tube fluctuating in air much more and rode low on one side no matter what he did. Later it got pin hole leaks (from maybe dragging it in the water) but again only on the vinyl side.
Along with the fact we both had Vinyl tubes that ended up blowing with in a year.
The pontoon with the SIDE BY SIDE comparison added to my conclusions and my belief, but again I am no Scientist, engineer.
And I am still a you get what you pay for (with in reason) kind of person.
Just wanted to get this out in the open.
[signature]
I would like to correct things by saying I am not an engineer so, I too went with what I had heard, read and experienced.
There is no difference in Vinyl and Urethane , other than durability, longevity, weight and cost.
For some of you that only get out maybe 2 to 3 times a month, the the longevity, durability and weight is not going to be an issue, although I would check every new year for any signs of decay, just like a car tire. Just because it isn't being used it will still decay.
Outer cover and how it is put together is the biggest issue., but not the only issue, the bladder must be strong also.
Here is a little example from which some of my advise was achieved.
Back in the days of Anglers Inn, My hubby and two brother in laws bought the Expedition 8' pontoon (all three are still in use). The forth brother in-law a little short for money, was offered a BASKET CASE deal on one. By that I mean the frame was the Expedition Steel frame, but one pontoon was Urethane and the other Vinyl. Same outer cover on both and same Halkey Roberts valves. He experienced the vinyl tube fluctuating in air much more and rode low on one side no matter what he did. Later it got pin hole leaks (from maybe dragging it in the water) but again only on the vinyl side.
Along with the fact we both had Vinyl tubes that ended up blowing with in a year.
The pontoon with the SIDE BY SIDE comparison added to my conclusions and my belief, but again I am no Scientist, engineer.
And I am still a you get what you pay for (with in reason) kind of person.
Just wanted to get this out in the open.
[signature]