Vinyl wrapping is typically associated with cars, trucks, and windows, but it is becoming common practice to wrap other surfaces and items, such as boats. From small fishing boats to luxurious yachts, vinyl wraps can be applied to any shape, size, and type of boat. Vinyl wrap is an advantageous alternative to traditional paint jobs for various reasons, but before outlining the benefits, a guide on what vinyl boat wraps are and how they are applied is necessary.
What Are Vinyl Boat Wraps?
Vinyl is a durable plastic material that acts like a big sticker to alter and enhance the visual appeal of a boat. Vinyl wrap for a boat starts with graphic designs printed on films made from high-quality vinyl applied to the exterior of a vessel.
The high-quality vinyl professionals use is typically from the 3M Series 1080 or Avery Dennison’s Supreme Wrapping Film SW900. The 3M Series 1080 has 269 color and finish variations, while the SW900 is offered in over 100 variations. These provide a wide range of options to satisfy any style, from traditional looks to shiny metallics and dynamic colors.
The vinyl is applied using an adhesive and then covered with a protective finish. Although it is possible to apply one yourself, using a professional wrapping company is essential for better vinyl quality, seamless application, and long-lasting results. Plus, with the size and various curves of a boat, it’s a large project that requires the touch of an experienced technician.
Vinyl Options
No matter your style preferences and your type of boat, the vinyl wrap options available are only limited by the skills of the professional service and artists you use. Whether you are looking for a vinyl wrap that is protective, unique, head-turning, colorful, solid color, or a full or partial wrap, there are plenty of options to choose from to suit your needs.
You can create an original design, add your vessel’s name, or entrust a skilled designer with creating your wrap. There are also various finishes to choose from, such as a basic clear wrap as a protective top coat or a dynamic chrome finish for a unique effect.
Key Features
Some of the key features of a vinyl wrap for a boat include:
- Protection from UV & minor damage
- Total customization
- Easy removal for new looks
- Minimal maintenance
Application Process
Wrapping a boat with vinyl wrap is simple for an experienced professional. The most important part of the process is preparation. The exterior surface of the boat must be as close to brand new as possible. Any pre-existing scrapes, dents, or cosmetic defects – even minor ones – that are not fixed prior to the application will show up through the thin vinyl and protective coat.
Once the boat’s surface is perfectly prepared with no dings, dirt, or dust, the application process of wrapping a boat with vinyl begins. Very few tools and materials are needed to apply the wrap, including squeegees, heat guns, adhesives, and tape to hold it in place while positioning it. The vinyl has an adhesive backing and comes in long lengths, making it awkward to work with, but a patient and skilled crew have the experience needed to seamlessly apply it around a boat’s curves, hull windows, and other features. Additionally, the adhesive used is low-tack, allowing the technician to reposition it as needed for perfect application.
A heat gun is used to make the vinyl easier to stretch and place smoothly around tight corners. When the wrap is positioned as desired, a squeegee is used to eliminate any air bubbles, which activates the adhesive. Once the vinyl is smoothed out, and any excess material is removed, a clear, finishing top coat is applied to seal and protect the vinyl.
The time it takes for the application process depends on various factors, such as boat size, type, and whether the vinyl is a full or partial wrap. A typical vinyl wrapping may take anywhere from a day to a few days, which is fast, considering that it is all the time needed to completely change the exterior of a boat and get back out on the water.
Vinyl Wraps vs. Paint
Whether you consider yourself a traditionalist or open-minded to trying new things, the advantages of a vinyl wrap for a boat over a traditional custom paint job make a strong case for making the switch. Compared to painting a boat, wrapping it in vinyl is typically:
- Less expensive
- Quicker
- Protects the original surface
- Easier to change
- Longer lasting
Why Should You Wrap Your Boat?
There are various benefits of wrapping a boat with vinyl for all types of boats and owners. Whether you’re choosing a design to express your unique style or advertise a business, there are many reasons to invest in a custom wrap job for your boat.
Enhanced Visual Appeal & Customization
The visual appeal of a boat with a vinyl wrap is significantly enhanced, whether the design is a sleek solid color or a creative custom design. The only factor limiting your customization options is the skill of the wrapping company’s graphic designers and technicians. There is no pattern or color that can not be created with a computer and printed onto a vinyl wrap, from simple text to complex graphics.
A vinyl boat wrap is an especially beneficial option for businesses to advertise their brand with custom designs, whether a company logo or decals for a sponsorship deal with racing vessels or fishing tournaments. Either way, your personal boat or advertising deal will look great and turn heads wherever you go.
Quicker & Less Expensive Than Paint
Vinyl wrapping makes customized designs more accessible than a custom paint job, which can take weeks to complete intricate, vibrant visuals with a price tag that breaks the bank. Applying vinyl wraps with an experienced crew takes much less time, ranging from a day to three days, depending on the size of the boat. The process is much simpler, with designs being created using computer software and printed onto the vinyl, leaving a smooth application as the only more complicated part.
Although the price of a custom vinyl wrap for a boat varies depending on the type and size of the boat and the colors or graphics of the vinyl, compared to other alternatives, it is typically much less expensive. This is another advantage for a business’s advertising efforts when multiple vessels are involved.
Easily Removed For a New Look
Unlike paint, vinyl wraps are easily removable, so as long as you have the funds, you can change up the look of your boat as often as you like. Removing the wrap does not cause any damage to the surface underneath. The only factor to consider is cleaning up any adhesive residue that might get left behind before applying a new wrap. Whether it’s a new business slogan or a fresh look, the quick wrapping process and reduced costs (compared to paint) make changing things up easy.
Protection Features
The most beneficial aspect of wrapping a boat with vinyl is the protection it provides. Vinyl wraps protect the original paint job of a boat from minor damage that can take place on the water. Floating debris or objects can cause scratches, scrapes, and dings to paint, but your boat will remain in pristine condition with a vinyl wrap and its protective coating. Special UV coatings cover wraps, which prevent colors from fading in harsh sunlight.
The protection offered makes a vinyl wrap for your boat a worthwhile investment. Boat maintenance or repairs require a lot of time and money, but a vinyl wrap prevents repairs from being needed and is easily cleaned to keep your boat looking as good as the day you bought it.
Minimal Maintenance Required
With little to no maintenance required, vinyl wraps are durable and long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about tedious care. When cleaning your boat, all you need is warm soapy water and a sponge. If you have it cleaned professionally and include waxing, they must use a wax suitable for vinyl. If the vinyl wrap happens to get any scratches or other damage, a simple patch easily repairs it, which prevents you from spending more money rewrapping the entire boat.
Durability and Longevity
The question of how long a vinyl boat wrap is expected to last is common, but the answer varies depending on many factors, including the environment, the vinyl, and how well it is maintained. The environment the boat is kept in plays a significant role in the longevity of a wrap. Exposure to intense light, salty water, or harsh climates will decrease the amount of time you get out of your wrap. For example, a boat kept in salt water may last around three to five years, while a boat kept in freshwater may last up to five or seven years.
However, it is important to realize not all boat wraps are created equal. The quality of the vinyl used and the application process affects the durability and longevity of the boat wrap, so using an experienced wrapping service that uses only the best materials and techniques is crucial.
The best vinyl, adhesive, and application increase the lifespan of a wrap. Good vinyl is more fade-resistant than paint, lasting from five to seven years. Although, that number varies depending on different factors such as the climate and color of the vinyl. For example, solid colors are more resistant than other colors, including metallics, chromes, or iridescent finishes.
Improves Resale Value
In addition to the protection of the boat, vinyl wrap helps maintain its value. Preventing any damage from happening to the original paint job of a boat improves its resale value immensely. Keeping your boat looking new and in pristine condition is a challenge made more difficult if your boat is exposed to salt water and harsh sunlight. Plus, there is always the chance of an accident whether you have a clumsy friend or get caught by unexpected weather. Investing in a vinyl wrap protects your boat from these risks so that you get your money’s worth if you decide to sell it in the future.
The Ultimate Protection & Customization of Vinyl Boat Wraps From RoadRunner Wraps
At RoadRunner Wraps, we have decades of experience wrapping just about anything in vinyl, with over 70,000 vehicles completed, including boats. Our team of award-winning graphic designers and certified wrapping technicians are experts in creating wraps that transform the appearance of the vehicle (or vessel) and offer effective protection for a long-lasting, visually appealing wrap.
We work with you to develop a completely customized design that you love. Vinyl wrapping is no easy feat, but we have taken the time to learn the best techniques because we know how important having a professional wrapping company is to achieve the best results, both visually and for durability. We use 3M and Avery Dennison vinyl for all our wrapping services, ensuring you get the highest-quality materials possible.
Our process consists of just three steps:
- Step 1: Graphic designs may be done by our team, your own designer, or an original design of your creation–it’s all up to you
- Step 2: Production of the vinyl wrap with the chosen design printed on it and then prepared for installation
- Step 3: Installation of the vinyl wrap onto your boat–application may be done at your location or one of our nearby facilities and usually takes a few hours or days, depending on the boat
We are based in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas, but our services are available nationwide. If you are interested in transforming your boat with a vinyl wrap, GET A QUOTE from us today to begin the process. Wraps are our thing whether we’re wrapping a car, a boat, or an entire fleet of commercial trucks!
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