High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum. As one of the most versatile plastic materials around, HDPE plastic is used in a wide variety of applications. Known for its outstanding tensile strength and large strength-to-density ratio, HDPE plastic has a high-impact resistance and melting point.

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Low maintenance and long lasting

Industrial-grade, FDA, NSF, and USDA-approved food-quality High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) boards are engineered to be low maintenance, safe and long lasting.

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Corrosion resistance

HDPE resists mold, mildew, and rotting, making it the ideal material for underground piping used to deliver water. Long-lasting and weather-resistant, HDPE can be sterilized by boiling, making it an ideal material for food and beverage containers. Additionally, HDPE can withstand most strong mineral acids and bases and has excellent resistance to naturally occurring chemicals found in soil.

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Large strength to density ratio

The density of HDPE can range from 0.93 to 0.97 g, although the density of HDPE is only marginally higher than LDPE (low-density polyethylene). However, when under the microscope, HDPE’s linear structure means the material has little branching, which offers it stronger intermolecular forces and tensile strength than LDPE. It’s for this reason that a 60-gram HDPE container can safely carry over a gallon of liquid or roughly eight pounds of weight.

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Easily recycled

Considering how much plastic we use in our day-to-day lives, one of the most important factors when deciding on a material is plastic recycling. Fortunately, HDPE plastic is easily recyclable, helping keep non-biodegradable waste out of landfills, while helping reduce plastic production by up to 50 percent! If you’re looking for a cost-effective, environmentally responsible material, HDPE may be the plastic for you.

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Why will you buy a HDPE Boat

 

HDPE often replaces heavier materials which help companies and individuals alike pursue sustainable and affordable manufacturing and project goals. Thanks to its high malleability, rigid strength, and corrosion resistance. HDPE is the perfect combination of strength, cost-efficiency, and environmental friendliness.

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When talking about plastics in boatbuilding, GRP boats and RIBs with rubber tubes immediately spring to mind: vessels made of quite vulnerable materials, far from ideal when working in tough environments. This is exactly why we would like to introduce you to HDPE – High Density PolyEthylene, a material unlike any other boat building material. It’s light, durable, impregnable and indestructible.

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This high quality and tough material is made for all (and even the most extreme) marine circumstances and situations. Think about water with: rocks, tree stumps, coral, etc. Also high and low temperatures, shallow water, strong currents, big waves, etc.

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Basic advantages of HDPE Boats

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High buoyancy - High load capacity :

HDPE is a multi-talented material. Let’s start with buoyancy: its mass density can range from 0.93 to 0.97 g/cm3. With its low density HDPE is lighter than water, giving HDPE boats their high load capacity.

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Zero corrosion - Zero maintenance :

Oxygen and water have a strong effect on aluminum and GRP. Not on HDPE, however, because HDPE will not be affected by the ravages of time. Paint system? Obsolete. Salt water? No need to rinse. Simply put: HDPE offers zero corrosion, zero maintenance.

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Resistance to marine growth - No antifouling needed :

With an HDPE hull you will have less problems caused by marine growth: it just doesn’t stick easily. So thanks to its continuous clean and smooth bottom the fast HDPE boat keeps its speed. Without anti-fouling, mind you. No toxic pollution, no environmental damaging.

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Aggressive liquid resistance :

Working with chemicals or fuels? Great news: HDPE can hardly be affected by aggressive liquids.

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High tensile strength :

GRP is quickly damaged when bumping into a sharp rock or rampart and even aluminum can dent or tear. Not HDPE. HDPE’s viscous and elastic characteristics prevent from both deformation and the formation of cracks. HDPE is both tough and flexible thanks to its high tensile strength.

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Shock absorbing - Perfect for near-shore activities :

HDPE is insusceptible to shocks. The material is very tough and soft at the same time. An HDPE hull easily absorbs the shock, recovers and returns to its original shape, so any dent will dissolve automatically. A strong HDPE hull is perfect if you work close to the shore.

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Production flexibility :

GRP boats require molds for hulls and decks, allowing for little to no adjustments. HDPE boats are constructed by plate welding, giving great flexibility in creating a boat shaped exactly to your needs. This includes the installation of additional components like benches and storage compartments. Need adjustments in lay-out? Easy as pie with HDPE.

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Ease of repair :

What if you need to repair something on your HDPE boat? Mind you, this is a big IF, because these situations rarely occur with HDPE. We just get that question a lot. The answer is simple: any local plastic production company can do it for you. Or DIY – ask us for your own welding kit.

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Low carbon footprint - 20% of aluminium :

The carbon footprint of HDPE production is 5 times lower than aluminum. This will serve the E in your HSE policy well! And that’s only one aspect when it comes to durability. Another: an HDPE boat is indestructible, so will stay with you for years.

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Durability and 100% recyclable :

GRP boats have a limited lifespan and are impossible to recycle. The same goes for aluminum: metal deterioration will send any aluminum boat to the scrapheap at one point. HDPE, however, is a different story. It can be 100% remelted and recycled in a new PE blend.

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