Vinyl Wraps for Boats

Might be hideous, but it's a wrap.

The only applications I've seen advertised are for boats that can be trailered. I would think the wrap might get damaged while either launching from the trailer or recovered back onto the trailer. I'm not sure how they would work for a larger boat that remains in the water.

The wrap on the boat above has not been damaged by the trailer and it has been on the boat for around 3 years now with frequent use. Now, it has been damaged by docks, rubbing from fenders during raft ups, etc.

As far as boats that stay in the water, we have seen a few on this site. There have been a few sportfishers posted that have wraps. One that I know of is the "Git Lit". I would imagine that as long as the wrap doesn't extend below where a boot stripe is normally then there wouldn't be any issues with leaving it in the water.

They have been using wraps on Center Consoles over here in South Florida for about 5 years now. They hold up well as long as they're above the waterline. They do get scratched through and gouged fairly easy from fish, gaff's, docks, and such.

Yes. Can be fun. There is a sport fish on the St Lawrence River done in brick patterned wrap. Name is Jerry's Brick "outhouse" (or equivalent term...) Been on for 2 years. When he gets bored with it he can change it to something else.

+1 on CaptJ's info. Wraps aren't cheap, but less expensive than paint and easily removed. Caveat, they can leave permanent micro indentations in gelcoat. Wraps are perforated so they wrap around compound curves and allow air bubbles to escape during application. These tiny holes leave a pattern in the gelcoat upon removal, just like the outline left behind after removing vinyl decals. All of this can be wet sanded flush, then polished out.

We had a full wrap designed for a 60GT Hatteras Sportfish for a test boat in Charleston to be demonstrated at various boat shows and expos. I am in agreeance that they are expensive, but pretty forgiving in terms of durability and are able to design about anything you want on them.

Image Monster: News & Events 2009 November

As far as I know this was one of the largest boats ever to have a full wrap on it.

I think that one is a little over powering but if I could find a sponser who would pay me to scoot all over the bay while I advertise for them, I would consider it.

Yacht Forums already has one in Fla. Maybe you need one in the Chesapeake ?

I can see it now..........Annapolis, Cambridge, York River Yacht Haven, Norfolk...I'd get you lots of exposure !

Starry Night is reported as an Oyster 86.

Starry Night - Wild Vinyl Boat Wraps

nothing wrong with boat art ..during WW2 Allied naval vessels used the zig zag cammo

Hi Fish,
Is this material a 3M product? Do you know where I can get more detailed info on it? I have googled for wraps in Australia and the only companies are doing smaller vessels and motor vehicles. Would like to find out the costs involved in doing a wrap on my 53 Hatteras.
Cheers.

Did you try their Internet contact?

Contact Us - Wild Vinyl Boat Wraps

Yes, thanks, just emailed them.

Does anyone have a price estimate/guestimate on these? I'm thinking hull sides on a 60-70 foot.
I'm in the PNW and I don't know of anyone doing it. It looks like a good idea if it's enough cheaper.

Thanks for any info.

Vinyl wrap pricing has gone crazy over the years. Every print shop in the country thinks they can wrap vehicles/boats. Coming from the supply background, we had clients selling for $7/sq ft installation included all the way up to $13/sq ft with installation. There are many shortcuts that people take that will drastically reduce the quality of the wrap, especially on a boat. Boats require extra attention as you can expect, but many print shops will tell you they can do a boat the same as a car. Also, the material itself is a huge factor on quality and pricing. I would never recommend anything other than 3M Controltac films. Personally, I would never use an Avery Dennison product because their quality control is very poor. Oracal has a great line of vinyls, but I am loyal to 3M as they are the most consistent and rarely ever have product failures. If they do, they will make sure you are well compensated.

To answer your question; I would expect to pay $10/sq ft or more to get a quality job installed. Anything less than that, and you may be flirting with danger. Definitely do not want to have a wrap start curling when you spend $3k on it.

Just my two cents...

Thanks for the info Fish. I have put in a call to one local shop and we'll see what that turns up. I appreciate your insight to the 'world o wraps'.

I'll let you know what I find out.

Trig