Almost all inflatable boats are constructed from flexible tubes that contain pressurized air or gas. Most have a PVC bottom that provides a soft floor to stand on. Some have a fiberglass hull that can be driven with an outboard motor. Newer fabrics such as plastomers and polyurethanes are improving all the time and can be lighter, stronger, thinner and easier to assemble. These new fabrics have not yet replaced hypalon, and most manufacturers have neither the desire nor resources to switch production processes to take advantage of these advances.

Whether you're choosing an inflatable for a family outing, or a heavy-duty work boat, the type of fabric your boat is constructed from will be a major factor in its long-term durability. When choosing an inflatable, consider your budget and the conditions in which you'll be using it, then choose a fabric that best fits your needs.

If you're planning to spend a lot of time in your inflatable, look for one with the highest-quality seams. The least expensive inflatables have glued seams that are not as strong or durable. Glued seams can separate and leak. To increase the longevity of your inflatable, look for a manufacturer that uses thermo-welded seams. This process fuses the layers of the fabric together under heat to form a solid, watertight bond that's four times stronger than a glued seam.

Another important factor in a quality inflatable is its ability to resist punctures, abrasions and the sun's UV rays. Almost all inflatables use a PVC-based fabric, although higher-quality models often incorporate a tougher material such as CSM (chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber) or hypalon.

If you're interested in buying an inflatable that will be stored outdoors, or used frequently, consider a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) with a fiberglass hull instead of a PVC or hypalon tube. RIBs are much more stable in rough water and provide superior handling when compared with an all-PVC model. Also, if you're planning to store your inflatable in direct sunlight, choose a fabric that has UV protection or a dark color to keep it from degrading faster than a non-protected fabric.