Although many of the same vehicle wrap principles apply to wrapping a boat, there are some differences that should be considered. The materials that are used for a vehicle wrap may fail if used in a marine application. It is therefore important to consider things like whether the boat is being used in salt or fresh water and at what speeds, because these considerations can have an impact of the installation.
There are some generalized boat wrap templates, but these pale in comparison to the digital automobile library templates. Therefore, taking accurate measurements becomes even more important in wrapping a boat. Boats may appear flat to the naked eye, but they are not. Extra materials are typically needed because the bow of the boat will flare out towards the bottom.
Selecting the right material is critical. At SignWorks we recommend repositionable vs. air egress vinyl. Unfortunately, if air egress vinyl is used and not properly sealed, water can get into the channel and cause the graphic to fail. We also recommend removing hardware, like handles and I-hooks on the back for towing, as well as the rub rail that runs all the way around the perimeter of the boat. It’s also a good idea to pull out existing factory silicone then reseal the areas with new silicone after the wrap to get a nice tight seal. Also, it’s not a good idea to use vinyl below the water line, as it will start to lift along the edges over time.
Contact SignWorks at 510-357-2000 before the boating season heats up. We will work with you to create sizzling graphics that are sure to “float your boat!” (Pun intended).
