FAQ

General

The Hull Identification Number or Craft Identification Number can be found on the starboard/right outside of the transom of your boat.

The model year is the last two digits of your HIN/CIN which can be found on the starboard/right outside of the transom of your boat.

There are two main types of material/fabric used in the manufacture of inflatable boat tubes, Hypalon/CSM and PVC.

  1. Hypalon/CSM: Is an extremely durable fabric with layers of rubber/neoprene where seams are generally glued by hand. Recommended for tropical and high UV environments.
  2. PVC: A durable and economical fabric where seams may be glued by hand or welded by a machine.

Distinguishing between Hypalon/CSM and PVC can be difficult even to the trained eye. There are several ways to determine which fabric your inflatable tube is made from.

  1. Look Closely at a Seam Edge.
    The seams are where the inflatable panels of the tube are glued together. Hypalon/CSM has a thin (Less than 1mm), dark or black layer in the fabric whereas PVC is the same color throughout the fabric.
  2. Back of Fabric. Look inside the tube through the valve opening. Hypalon/CSM is a dark grey or black on the inside. PVC is the same color on both sides.
  3. Sand the Material. Hypalon will matt down and produce a dust and suede like appearance and feel with abrasion. PVC will scratch, remain glossy and there will be no difference in color.
  4. Wipe over Solvent Test. Wipe lightly with an MEK based solvent (methyl ethyl ketone – often available at hardware, paint or plumbing stores, sold as a cleaner for PVC pipes or lacquer thinner) or Acetone solvent. Hypalon will leave an oxidization and maybe some color on the cloth, the material will not be affected or become tacky. For PVC you will have some color on the cloth and the surface of the material will feel tacky.

If you need to repair your boat’s tube it is essential to use the correct adhesive and fabric for repairs.

Find repair tips and information

Please Note: Before using adhesive, it is important to use the correct PVC or Hypalon solvent to prepare the surfaces to be adhered.
Caution: These solvents and adhesives may be flammable and appropriate precautions should be taken before use. Work in a a well ventilated area with no open flames.

For davit solutions please visit one of these fine retailers:

Custom Tip-Up Davit Solutions for Rigid Dinghies & RID boats:

St. Croix Marine Products
Weaver Industries

For Crane Style Davits for Rigid Dinghies & RID boats you may purchase a Davit Eyebolt Kit from Walker Bay and source hanging lines to work with your system, contact info@walkerbay.com for help:

Part#21021     Eyebolt Kit for Dinghies SS 316L

For Tip-up Davit Solutions for Genesis and Odyssey Inflatables or for all Crane style davit solutions:

St. Croix Marine Products
Sea Wise Marine
Ocean Marine Products

If you do not see the Davit Solution or Manufacturer you are looking for, please contact us.

If you are a Davit Manufacturer with Davit Solutions for Walker Bay boats, please contact us.

Please note: modifying your hull will void the warranty.

Generation & Venture

The Walker Bay Generation and Venture boats’ tube is a UV treated, low friction skin, ORCA CSM tube fabric.

A long shaft (20”) motor.

The hull is of fiberglass construction, please take it to a professional marine repair shop.

Genesis RIBs

The transom is composed of aluminum casing and marine wood core.

The nature of Polypropylene is that things rarely stick to it which is nice so many people don’t need to use bottom paint. If you are in an area really bad for this however you can use Interlux MICRON CF (copper free) bottom paint which is the best option and will work with the Polypropylene hull.

ORCA CSM

  • RESISTANT TO EXTREME TEMPERATURES, U.V. RAYS, GAS, OIL, CHEMICALS, & ABRASIONS
  • EXTREMELY DURABLE – STANDS UP TO FREQUENT USAGE
  • MAY BE LEFT INFLATED AND EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS WHEN NOT IN USE
  • LONG LIFESPAN
  • BACKED BY A 10-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

 

PVC (1100 Decitex Polymer)

  • INEXPENSIVE
  • EASY TO REPAIR
  • LIGHTWEIGHT
  • BACKED BY A 5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

The Walker Bay Genesis uses a short shaft (15”).

The biggest differences lie in features and weight. The Deluxe model boasts innovative integrated storage, cup holders and removable storage tray as well as additional seating in the bow. Other features include a custom 2-tone tube design and heavy-duty rub rail/splash guard. The Light version is approximately 20% lighter. Functionally, the light version has a slimmer rub rail across the whole boat, fuel tank recess in bow, lighter oars, and minor changes in trim to aid weight savings.

It is best to store your boat indoors. If you don’t have room in your garage you may want to check out the Harken Hoister system: http://www.hoister.com. If storing your Genesis outside, please make sure the tubes are deflated and that you store your Genesis in the storage bag that is available from Walker Bay.

NOTE: rodents are known to nest in boats in winter, chewing on the tubes and nesting inside them. Also in below freezing temperatures, the Genesis Hull can freeze, which is fine so long as nothing impacts the hull during those cold times.