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Colour Guide

Orca Hypalon Colours for RIB Tubes

The full Orca Hypalon colour range for RIB tube retubing, collar replacement and new tube manufacture. Both Orca 828 and Orca 866 share the same main colour range across five surface finishes.

Ask About Colours and Finishes Retube Service
40+
Colours available across the Orca Hypalon range.
5
Surface finishes: Smooth, Fabric Impression, Perlage, Carbon and Honeycomb.
2
Grades covered: Orca 828 and Orca 866 — both share the main colour range.
Belgium
All Orca Hypalon fabrics manufactured by Pennel & Flipo in Belgium.
Overview

Orca 828 and 866 Colour Chart

Both grades share the same colour list. The colour choice is separate from the fabric grade decision. Choose your colour here, then discuss grade with Ribcollar based on your boat and how it is used.

Orca Hypalon colours are available in over 40 options across five surface finishes. The smooth finish carries the widest colour range.

Both Orca 828 and Orca 866 share the main Orca Hypalon colour range. The colour decision is separate from the fabric grade decision. For weight, strength and application guidance see our Orca 828 vs 866 guide.

On-screen colours are approximate. Display calibration, lighting and the age of existing fabric can all affect how a colour reads against your boat. For colour-critical match work, request a physical swatch.

Surface Finishes

Five finishes available for 828 and 866.

The finish affects appearance and, in some cases, how the fabric is bonded. Smooth is the most widely used and carries the widest colour range.

NB = Non-Buff. The fabric does not need sanding on the reverse before bonding. FI = Fabric Impression. Lower-sheen textured surface, often specified for commercial and military applications.

Orca Hypalon smooth finish for RIB tubes
Smooth (Matt)
Widest colour range. Clean traditional RIB appearance. Easiest for colour matching on retubes.
Orca Hypalon Fabric Impression finish for commercial RIB tubes
Fabric Impression (FI)
Lower sheen, textured surface. Standard for military, commercial and professional applications.
Orca Hypalon Perlage finish for RIB tube builds
Perlage
Patterned textured surface. Often used for wear patches and tubes where a different visual effect is wanted.
Orca Hypalon Carbon finish for custom leisure RIB tube builds
Carbon
Satin technical look. Popular for custom builds and high-specification collar replacements.
Orca Hypalon Honeycomb finish available in Black and Military Grey
Honeycomb
Black and Military Grey only. Available for both 828 and 866. Different surface pattern to Carbon.
Colour Chart

Orca Hypalon colours — smooth finish.

The smooth finish carries the full colour range and is available for both 828 and 866. This is the most commonly specified finish for leisure and commercial retubes.

Both Orca 828 and Orca 866 are available in the full smooth colour range below. The colour list is identical for both grades. Where a colour is marked NB or FI, this refers to the fabric reverse preparation or finish variant.

Whites & Greys
Ice White
Off White
Cream White
Arctic Grey
Arctic Grey NBNon-Buff
Neptune Grey
Neptune Grey NBNon-Buff
Military GreyCommercial
Military Grey NBNon-Buff
Military Grey FIFabric Impression
Anthracite FIFabric Impression
Blacks
BlackMost specified
Black NBNon-Buff
Black FIFabric Impression
High-Visibility & Rescue
Yellow Colorado
Yellow SunflowerRescue
Orange SilvanoHigh-vis panels
Pink
Etna RedRescue & contrast
Etna Red NBNon-Buff
Burgundy NBNon-Buff
Greens
Italia Green
Caraibe Green
Army GreenMilitary spec
Army Green FIFabric Impression
Neutrals & Warm Tones
Ivory
Cream
Colonial
Sandy Brown
Caramel
Deer
Cappuccino
Sea Foam
Blues
Alpin Blue
Ocean BluePractical marine
Ocean Blue NBNon-Buff
Ocean Blue FIFabric Impression
Delphes Blue NBNon-Buff
Dark Blue NBDeep navy
Dark Blue FIFabric Impression

On-screen colour representations are approximate. Final shade varies with display calibration, lighting and the age of existing fabric. Request a physical swatch for colour-critical match work. NB = Non-Buff. FI = Fabric Impression.

Additional Finishes — Perlage, Carbon and Honeycomb

Perlage, Carbon and Honeycomb finishes are available in a reduced colour range for both 828 and 866. Perlage: Black, Military Grey, Arctic Grey. Carbon: Black, Military Grey, Ocean Blue. Honeycomb: Black and Military Grey only. Contact Ribcollar for specific availability.

Colour Selection

Which colours suit which type of RIB?

Practical guidance on choosing the right Hypalon tube colour for your boat and its use. Black and Military Grey are the safest all-round choices for most boats.

Black and Military Grey age better under UV, show less surface fading over time and suit a wide range of applications from leisure to commercial.

The finish matters as much as the colour in some applications. Smooth is the most versatile. Fabric Impression is the professional and military standard.

01
Leisure RIBs
Black, Ocean Blue, Military Grey
Black is the most specified colour for leisure boats. It ages well, hides UV fade and holds its appearance over time. Smooth finish is standard. Carbon finish in Black or Ocean Blue suits custom builds.
02
Yacht Tenders & Day Boats
Ice White, Off White, Cream White
White and off-white tones complement a yacht's hull or deck. Smooth finish is standard. Lighter colours will show surface ageing more visibly over time than darker options.
03
Commercial & Patrol Craft
Military Grey, Black
Military Grey and Black in Smooth or Fabric Impression are the most common specifications. FI is preferred where a non-reflective, working appearance is required. Both colours are available in NB and FI variants.
04
Rescue Boats
Orange Silvano, Yellow Sunflower, Etna Red
High-visibility colours for rescue and RNLI-type applications. The correct colour may be dictated by the operator's specification — confirm before ordering.
05
Military Specification
Army Green FI, Military Grey FI, Black FI
FI finish gives a non-reflective working surface appropriate for operational craft. Contact Ribcollar if a specific military colour is required outside this range.
06
Sea Safari & Charter
Black, Dark Blue, Military Grey
Dark professional colours work best for passenger RIBs. Carbon finish in Black or Ocean Blue is often specified for charter boats where a premium presentation matters.
Quick Reference

Colour by application.

ApplicationRecommended ColoursRecommended Finish
Leisure RIBBlack, Ocean Blue, Military GreySmooth
Yacht TenderIce White, Off White, Cream WhiteSmooth
Commercial / PatrolMilitary Grey, BlackSmooth or FI
RescueOrange Silvano, Yellow Sunflower, Etna RedSmooth
MilitaryArmy Green, Military Grey, BlackFI
Sea Safari / CharterBlack, Dark Blue, Military GreySmooth or Carbon
Custom BuildAny smooth colour, or Carbon rangeSmooth or Carbon
Colour Matching

Can Ribcollar match existing tube colours?

In most cases yes, if the original tube was built in an Orca Hypalon colour still in the current range.

Send photos of the existing tubes and we will advise on the closest match available.

Bear in mind that original tube colour will have aged and may have faded under UV, particularly on older boats. What you see on the boat may be noticeably different from the swatch. We will tell you honestly where an exact match is unlikely.

For partial retubes or collar replacements where one section is being replaced alongside existing fabric, we always recommend requesting a physical swatch before committing to a colour to avoid a visible mismatch.

If you do not know the original tube specification, look for any documentation from the boat builder or previous tube supplier. Ribcraft, Avon, Humber, Tornado and most major RIB manufacturers used Orca Hypalon, so the original colour is likely within this range.

FAQ

Common colour questions.

What Orca Hypalon colours are available?
The Orca Hypalon range includes over 40 colours in the smooth finish, covering whites, greys, blacks, blues, greens, high-visibility colours including orange and yellow, and a range of warm neutrals and earth tones. The full smooth colour list is available for both Orca 828 and Orca 866. Fabric Impression, Perlage, Carbon and Honeycomb finishes are available in a reduced selection.
What finishes are available on Orca Hypalon?
Five surface finishes are available: Smooth (widest colour range, most common for leisure and commercial work), Fabric Impression (FI, lower sheen, often used on commercial, military and patrol craft), Perlage (patterned textured surface, reduced colour range), Carbon (satin technical finish, popular for custom leisure builds) and Honeycomb (Black and Military Grey only for both 828 and 866).
Are colours available in both Orca 828 and Orca 866?
Yes. Both Orca 828 and Orca 866 share the same main colour range. The colour choice does not depend on which grade you select. The grade decision is separate and is based on boat size and application. For guidance on which grade suits your boat, see our Orca 828 vs 866 guide.
Can Ribcollar match my existing tube colour?
In most cases, yes — if the original tube was made in an Orca Hypalon colour still in the current range. Send us photos of the existing tube and we will advise on the closest match. For colour-critical work such as partial retubes where the new section will sit alongside existing fabric, we always recommend confirming against a physical swatch.
Which colours suit commercial and rescue RIBs?
Military Grey and Black in Smooth or Fabric Impression are the most common specifications for commercial and patrol craft. Rescue applications typically use high-visibility colours including Orange Silvano, Yellow Sunflower and Etna Red. The correct colour for rescue service RIBs may be dictated by the operator's specification, so confirm before ordering.
Can I get a physical Orca Hypalon colour swatch?
Yes. Contact Ribcollar with your boat details and we can advise on colour and grade. For colour-critical or match work, we recommend confirming against a physical swatch rather than relying on on-screen colours, which vary with display calibration, lighting and the condition of your existing fabric.
Is Orca Hypalon still made?
DuPont discontinued the original Hypalon brand in 2010. Orca, made by Pennel & Flipo in Belgium, is the industry-standard successor. It uses a CSM/CR compound and is widely referred to in the trade as Hypalon. It remains the benchmark material for RIB tube manufacture and is the fabric Ribcollar uses across all retube, repair and new build work.
What does NB mean on Orca fabric?
NB stands for Non-Buff. It means the reverse of the fabric does not need sanding before bonding. This is relevant to fabricators and workshops during tube construction and repair work.

Not sure which colour or finish is right for your boat?

Send us the boat details, photos of the existing tube and a note on the intended use. Ribcollar will advise on the right Orca Hypalon colour, finish and fabric grade for the job.

T  01935 722988 E  sales@ribcollar.com Workshop: Yeovil, Somerset
Related Guides & Services
Orca 828 vs 866 — Grade Guide Hypalon, PVC and PU Explained RIB Retubing Service New Hypalon Tubes RIB Repairs Contact Ribcollar

Orca Hypalon Colour Chart for RIB Tubes – 828 and 866

This page lists the full Orca Hypalon colour range for both 828 and 866 grades, including all available surface finishes. Use it to choose the right colour and fabric specification before booking a retube, collar replacement or new tube build with Ribcollar

Ask About Colours and Specifications