Press Release: Wing Introduces a Hypalon Inflatable Boat Series

Posted on Sep 10 2009

Arcata, Calif., June 11, 2009 – In response to requests for a more transportable and attractively-priced inflatable boat option, Wing Inflatables has added a new series of Hypalon boats to its product offering. Known for its commercial-grade polyurethane inflatable boats and sponsons, Wing said the first model in the new series, the IB-530, gives customers a choice of products built to their specifications.

“We’ve built a reputation for producing extremely durable boats,” said Wing President Bill Wing. “And although Hypalon doesn’t initially demonstrate the level of puncture and abrasion resistance you see in polyurethane, we’ve taken measures to beef up the material and construction in the areas that historically see the most wear and tear. At roughly a third of the cost of polyurethane, we can afford to reinforce the Hypalon to our standards and still offer an attractive price point.” Wing said they have been developing specifications for the project for more than a decade, refining details and leveraging new technology to meet stringent quality, durability and performance requirements.

Another advantage of Hypalon material is that it can be easily rolled up for transport or storage - a benefit critical to many mobile rescue and military units.

The IB-530 can be equipped with a single engine or twin 50 horsepower outboards. It features a beefy 2” transom and special through-bolted transom-to-tube construction to accommodate the additional engine weight.

Two 5.3 meter (17’5”) prototypes were developed – one with a fixed steering console and the other tiller-operated and equipped with speed tubes. Each boat was powered by a single 115 horsepower Mercury Marine outboard engine. With a single person aboard each vessel, the company said both boats exceeded the original speed projections.

“The hull without the speed tubes exceeded 35 miles per hour and the hull with the speed tubes topped 50,” said Wing. “Of course, that was with a light load. You won’t see that with the maximum 13 passengers on board.”

Other features of the IB-530 include a transom-mounted drain assembly accessible from inside the boat, high capacity deck drains with elephant trunks to restrict water entry and an aluminum deck with D-rings.

Wing said a smaller member of the series will be introduced by the end of the year.