Comparing PVC, TPR, and Polyurethane Boat Rollers

Published 08/03/2023

Question:

Hi, Will PVC, TPR, or Polyurethane rollers be more durable? I had rubber rollers that only lasted a year before they started to crack.

asked by: Chandler

Expert Reply:

A TPR roller like the # YR500YW-6P is going to be better than PVC. PVC is a cheaper product. TPR has the properties and performance of both PVC and rubber while having a higher tensile strength so it is going to be the most durable.

I don't have a lot of information on Polyurethane vs TPR rollers. Polyurethane can have varying levels of hardness so I suppose it depends on how it is manufactured. This could potentially make it more durable but it would possibly lose the cushioning effect of something a little softer like the TPR. After looking at what other boat owners had to say about the two it would seem that they are fairly comparable in performance.

expert reply by: Robin H