Boat wrapping uses the same cast vinyl families as vehicle work, with two differences: the film sits below the waterline for hours at a time, and the hull is one long compound curve with a hard chine. Marine-rated adhesive and a full over-laminate on printed work handle the first; installer time handles the second. The deciding factor between the two options is whether you need printing. A single colour or finish is a colour-change wrap. Anything with a logo, a name, a pattern, or a photo is a printed graphic wrap.
Colour-change wraps
Solid, metallic, satin, or matte film over the factory gelcoat. Popular for refreshing a faded hull, matching a tow vehicle, or getting a colour the manufacturer never offered.
| Hull length | From |
|---|---|
| Under 16 ft | $1,100 |
| 16 ft to 26 ft | $2,100 |
| Registration numbers and name decals | $250 |
Printed graphic wraps
Custom printed film with over-laminate: your logo, a tournament livery, a fade, a photo, or a full pattern. Prices include three hours of design time, which covers most single-concept layouts and one round of revisions.
| Hull length | From |
|---|---|
| Under 16 ft | $1,600 |
| 16 ft to 26 ft | $3,100 |
What changes the price
- Hull length and freeboard. Pricing is by length band; a deep-freeboard cruiser at 24 ft uses more film than a 24 ft bass boat and is quoted at the top of its band.
- Coverage. Hull sides only is the standard job. Adding the transom, the deck cap, or the tower is quoted per panel.
- Gelcoat condition. Oxidized or chalky gelcoat needs a compound and polish before film will bond; we quote that separately after seeing the boat.
- Removing an old wrap or old lettering. Removal and adhesive cleanup is billed hourly.
How a boat wrap goes
- Measure and photograph the hull on its trailer, including rub rails, thru-hull fittings, and any lettering to keep or remove.
- Design and proof for printed work: the artwork goes onto your hull photos at scale so you see the exact result before printing.
- Prep. Wash, decontaminate, and polish the gelcoat; remove old registration numbers and stickers.
- Install. Two to three days for a full hull, working from the bow back with seams planned at the chine and rub rail.
- Cure and launch. Keep the boat out of the water for 48 hours after install so the adhesive reaches full bond before immersion.
Related work
- Colours: the vinyl colour and finish catalog
- Car wraps and truck wraps: the same film on the tow vehicle
- Decals: registration numbers, boat names, and sponsor logos on their own