Ayrton Oneill
Boat wraps are a popular way to change the look of a boat, and vinyl wrapping has been used for years to wrap motor vehicles with bold colour schemes and outlandish prints. Vinyl-wrapped boats with graphic designs in striking designs have become a common sight on the water, too, as film materials and application techniques continue to improve. Vinyl film technology has huge appeal, which is why there is now such a variety of films available with different colours, finishes and effects. Wrapping boats in coloured self-adhesive film has proven to be a durable and economical alternative to painting/repainting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | $100 to $150 or more per linear foot |
| Lifespan | Seven to 10 years |
| Warranty | Three years (3M) |
| Durability | Vulnerable to abrasion |
| Design | Striking, bold colour schemes and outlandish prints |
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![Polyken 747 Marine Boat Wrap Shrink Film Tape [Polyethylene Film]: 4 in. (96mm actual) x 60 yds. (Blue)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81SUv1fyicL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
The cost of vinyl wrapping a fishing boat
Vinyl wrapping is a popular way to change the look of a fishing boat. It is a quick and easy way to make your boat stand out on the water, with a variety of films available with different colours, finishes and effects.
It is important to note that the lifespan of vinyl wrapping is typically around seven to 10 years, but it can be shorter depending on the conditions the boat is kept in. For example, if your boat occasionally rubs against something abrasive, the wrap can tear. If you live in a sunny area and your boat sits uncovered, the lifespan might only be two years.
When considering the cost of vinyl wrapping a fishing boat, it is also worth thinking about the preparation and application process. Usually, a boat-wrapping professional will take care of the design, cutting and application of the vinyl wrap. They will ensure that the boat is clean and free from any damage or residue that could affect the vinyl.
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The lifespan of vinyl wrapping
Vinyl wrapping is a popular way to change the look of a fishing boat. It is a quick and economical alternative to painting or repainting. The vinyl wrap is applied to the hull of the boat and can be used to create a variety of striking designs, including bold colour schemes and outlandish prints.
Other factors that can affect the longevity of vinyl wrapping include sun exposure, climate and frequency of washing. Washing a boat by hand using a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft rag can help to decrease the chance of damaging the wrap. If pressure washing is necessary, the water pressure should never be higher than 800-2000 psi, and the minimum distance from the boat should be maintained at 12-14 inches.
To ensure the vinyl wrap lasts as long as possible, it is important to prepare the boat properly before application. This includes filling and fairing all dents and dings, as any uneven areas will show up clearly under the vinyl. It is also important to make sure the surfaces are clean and free from marine growth, mould, mildew and silicone residue. Skin fittings should be removed, but if this is not possible, the vinyl can be trimmed around them. Finally, the hull should be given a last-minute clean to ensure the surfaces are free from dust and grease.
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The preparation and application process
The first step in the preparation and application process for a fishing boat wrap is to ensure that the paint or gelcoat is sound, with no flaking or excessive chalkiness. Any dents or dings should be filled and fared to create a smooth surface, as any uneven areas will show up clearly under the vinyl.
Next, it is important to clean the hull thoroughly, removing any marine growth, mould, mildew, and silicone residue from through-hull fittings. Skin fittings should also be removed, although they can be left in place and the vinyl trimmed around them if necessary.
Before the vinyl is applied, the hull should be given a final clean to ensure that all dust and grease are removed. An experienced operator will then apply a good-quality vinyl wrap, ensuring that it is stuck down well, particularly at the edges, which are the most vulnerable part of the wrap.
The vinyl wrap can be applied either at the boat-wrapping professional's premises or on-site, depending on the size of the boat and the preference of the professional. The cost of the wrap, including installation, can range from $100 to $150 or more per linear foot. While vinyl wrapping is a durable and economical alternative to painting, it is important to note that the wrap can tear if the boat rubs against something abrasive.
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The design and cutting of the vinyl wrap
Vinyl wraps are a quick and easy way to change the look of a boat. They are also durable and economical compared to painting. However, they can be expensive and may only last a few years, depending on the conditions.
Skin fittings should be removed before wrapping, although some professionals may choose to trim the vinyl around them if removal is not possible. The edges of the vinyl wrap are the most vulnerable part, so it is important to ensure they are properly sealed. One way to do this is by using a product like Primer 94, which helps the vinyl stick well and prevents peeling or lifting.
Before cutting the vinyl wrap, it is essential to clean the boat's surfaces thoroughly. This includes removing any marine growth, mould, mildew, and silicone residue from through-hull fittings. A final, last-minute clean is also recommended to ensure that the surfaces are free from dust and grease, which can affect the adhesion of the vinyl.
The design of the vinyl wrap is just as important as the cutting process. Vinyl film technology offers a huge variety of colours, finishes, and effects to choose from. Whether you want a bold colour scheme, an outlandish print, or a striking graphic design, the possibilities are endless. Working with an experienced operator who uses the best-quality vinyl is essential to achieving the desired look and ensuring the wrap's longevity.
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The maintenance of vinyl wrapping
Vinyl wrapping is a popular way to change the look of a boat, but it does require some maintenance to ensure it stays in good condition. Here are some tips to help you keep your vinyl wrap looking its best:
- Choose a reputable installer who uses high-quality vinyl films suitable for marine use. The lifespan of vinyl wrapping is typically seven to ten years, but only 3M offers a warranty for marine use, and it's just three years.
- Prepare the boat's surface before wrapping. Ensure the paint or gelcoat is sound, with no flaking or excessive chalkiness. Fill and fare all dents and dings, as any uneven areas will show up clearly under the vinyl.
- Make sure the surfaces are clean and free from marine growth, mould, mildew, and any silicone residue from through-hull fittings. Skin fittings should be removed, but if that's not possible, the vinyl can be trimmed around them.
- Give the hull a final clean before wrapping to ensure the surfaces are free from dust and grease.
- Use a product like Primer 94 on the edges of the vinyl wrap to ensure it sticks well. The edges are the most vulnerable part of the wrap.
- Be aware that vinyl wraps can tear if they come into contact with something abrasive. Even under optimal conditions, a wrap will probably last only seven years. If your boat is kept uncovered in a sunny climate, the lifespan might be as short as two years.
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Frequently asked questions
Including installation, vinyl wraps can range from $100 to $150 or more per linear foot.
The lifespan of a vinyl wrap is usually given as seven to 10 years, although 3M offers a warranty for marine use of just three years. If your boat occasionally rubs against something abrasive, the wrap can tear, and even under optimal conditions, a wrap will probably last only seven years. If you live in the Sunbelt and your boat sits uncovered, the life span might only be two years.
Wrapping your boat will help you stand out on the water. It's the fastest way to change the look of a boat and is a durable and economical alternative to painting/repainting.
Ensure the paint or gelcoat is sound (no flaking or excessive chalkiness), fill and fare all dents and dings (any uneven areas will show up clearly under the vinyl), and make sure the surfaces are clean and free from marine growth, mould, mildew, and any silicone residue from through-hull fittings. Skin fittings need to be removed (ideally, but if that's not possible, the vinyl can be trimmed around them), and the hull should be given a final, last-minute clean to ensure the surfaces are free from dust and grease.
A boat-wrapping professional will usually take care of the design, cutting, and application of the vinyl wrap. They will either work on trailer boats at their premises or travel to where the boat is kept and work on-site.
