Interesting how materials, opinions, and devices change with time. Not long ago, this thread title would have immediately produced a dozen posts on the excellence of the "Alaska Series" inflatable, and its merits. This thread has been around since July 10, and not one mention of them. OK so I will, in a bit. The question has to do with materials, which has been answered.
More, or of equal importance, should be the consideration of type of use. Consider, are you going to be happy with always rowing or paddling? Are you going to want to power it with a small OB, gas or electric? Are you just going from the mooring buoy or anchor to shore or dock?
Once these questions are answered, then chose, a donut shape, (inflated tube that surrounds the device), or a "V" tube with a transom. Then the weight consideration will help determine the floor material, (plywood slats, rigid, or inflatable (high pressure, keel or flat).
There was a time when they were the premier consideration for an inflatable here. Excellent material, beefed up seams and underside for beaching on rocky shore, and lighter weight, and good service. They are still available I believe, (through Island Marine Center, Lopez Island WA) but they are not the best if OB power is going to be the primary propulsion. The donut shape does not lend itself to that as well as the V shapes with a hard transom. How ever, IMHO it may serve as a better emergency flotation device should one ever have to abandon ship in rough conditions, (due to the donut shape).
Now back to the original programing, Manufacturing materials etc.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon