This guide will give you all the information you need to make sure you’re paying the right amount to wrap your boat. If you’re looking to put a funny name or a billboard on your boat or just want a new look, a vinyl boat wrap may be the best option for you.
Vinyl boat wraps are perfect for boaters who want to change the look of their boat from time to time and give it a stylish look. But what is a boat wrap, and how much does it cost to wrap a boat? In this article, we’ll explain what boat wraps are and the factors that determine the price of a boat wrap.
What Is a Vinyl Boat Wrap
Image credit: Marine Wraps, Florida
A vinyl boat wrap is a protective piece of pressure-sensitive vinyl that is applied to the exterior of the boat. Vinyl wraps are useful for several reasons. They are a very easy way to decorate a boat, especially if you want to use the exterior of your boat as a billboard.
Vinyl wraps are also great if you want to preserve the natural finish of the hull. Many people want to keep the white paint on the underside when they sell the boat. Vinyl wrap is an easy way to enhance the boat quickly without reducing its resale value.
If you want to change the design of your boat every few years, vinyl wrap is the perfect option. Traditional paint is much more expensive if you intend to replace it every few years. Vinyl siding, however, is much cheaper because all you have to do is peel off the old film and apply a new one.
How Long Does Vinyl Wrap Last
A vinyl wrap usually lasts between 3 and 8 years. Of course, the lifespan of vinyl depends on how well it is cared for. Vinyl films are prone to scratches and dents when docked. Therefore, purchasing a fender or soft cover is advisable to protect the vinyl.
Many vinyl wrap manufacturers provide their customers with a repair kit to touch up minor scratches, so you don’t have to worry about a little mishap.
The longevity of your vinyl siding also depends on the quality of the material and installation. If you want your boat to last longer than two or three seasons, it’s essential to have it coated by experienced professionals.
We recommend 100% waterproof and sturdy Seal Skin boat covers to protect your investment. Ready to protect your boat (or favorite toy) with Seal Skin Covers? Save 15% on your order using our link with code: “SEALDEAL”!
Pros of a Vinyl Boat Wrap
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- Vinyl is usually cheaper to repair than paint.
- As for durability, it’s hard to say which is better. Vinyl is touted as more UV resistant and less prone to fading than paint.
- As mentioned earlier, vinyl siding can last anywhere from 3 to 8 years. They still require maintenance, but repair is often much easier than color matching and repainting.
- Vinyl wraps are also very environmentally friendly. They don’t use solvents or chemicals. The same is true of traditional boat coatings, which can sometimes endanger marine life.
- Vinyl coatings are also much more customizable than paint. The colors are usually brighter, and the result is a high gloss.
- If you want a bigger paint job, it will cost more than a single coat. However, the cost difference between simple and complex vinyl designs is not significant.
Vinyl vs Paint Job
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Vinyl wrapping is usually much cheaper and faster than painting your boat. Vinyl typically costs about a third of what a paint job costs.
A big part of the cost savings is in the shortened labor time. A paint job can take much longer. The boat must be prepared with a primer before painting can begin.
All you need to do with vinyl siding is smooth the hull and sand down any imperfections before wrapping the boat with vinyl. Once the air is removed and the vinyl firmly adheres to the boat, the job is done!
This can be helpful for boaters who want to get their boat up and running and enjoy it right away, rather than waiting for the paint job to be completed. Time is also money for charter yachts; they can make more if they don’t have to wait for the top to be painted.
Boat Wrap’s Price Guide for 2022
When you look at a boat wrap’s price guide, the numbers can vary depending on the size of the boat and the type of design you’re looking for. For example, if a single color mimics a paint job, the cost will be less than a more complex custom design.
The type and size of the boat will also affect the price. A larger boat will cost more than a smaller boat. There are several types of vinyl wrap. For example, if only half of the boat is wrapped, the cost is about half of what a full wrap would cost.
Full vinyl wraps start at $1,000 for a 12 to 16 feet long fishing boat but are typically $1,400 and more, depending on the boat type and size. An 18-foot boat wrapping can cost approximately $2,500. These prices usually include both materials and installation fees.
Professional Vinyl Boat Wrapping or DIY
Any boat owner can remove a vinyl wrap, but you should leave the film application to the professionals. It’s a skill that takes many years of practice to master. If you wrap your boat yourself, you will usually have to wrap it again after a short period, as homemade boat foils typically do not last very long.
Professionals use special tools to wrap boats. They are also experts at removing any wrinkles or bubbles that may form during the wrapping process.
All in all, hiring a professional is the best choice when it comes to vinyl wrapping a boat.
Takeaway
Vinyl wrap is perfect for giving your boat a new look and is very easy to customize. If you plan to swap out one design for another in a few years, vinyl wrapping may be just what you need!
The price of boat wrapping is almost always lower than painting and is less costly to repair. Ultimately you need to decide whether a vinyl wrap or paint job is the right for your boat and your specific needs.
See Also:
- Painting Over Gelcoat – Easy Boat Repair Guide
- 10 Best Liveaboard Marinas In The US In 2022
- The Best Liveaboard Marinas In California in 2022
- 10 Best Liveaboard Marinas in North Carolina
- Living on a Boat: Guide For Liveaboards & What You Need to Know!
Image credit: Marine Wraps, Florida