Boat wraps are a useful and attractive way to make your boat stand out from the competition, increase its resale value, and restore an older model. Additionally, it is a great choice for brand promotion because a boat’s high-quality company graphics can catch the attention of 100 to 1,000 people.
Despite the product not having anything to do with the sea, market research demonstrates that boat wrap advertising is more effective than other forms of advertising. The environmental benefits of boat wraps are well known, but let’s look at how much it actually costs to wrap a boat.
What Is A Vinyl Boat Wrap?
A pressure-sensitive vinyl wrap for boats serves as a layer of protection for the exterior of the vessel. There are several uses for vinyl wraps. In particular, if you want to use the exterior of your boat as a billboard, they are a very simple way to decorate a boat.
If you want to keep the hull’s natural finish, vinyl wraps are also fantastic. When selling the boat, many people want to keep the white paint on the underside. The boat can be improved quickly and affordably with a vinyl wrap without detracting from its marketability.
Vinyl wrap is the ideal solution if you want to change the look of your boat every few years. If you plan to replace traditional paint every few years, it is significantly more expensive. However, vinyl siding is significantly less expensive since it only requires the application of a new film after peeling off the old one.
Boat Wrap Price
For a 14-foot boat, the price of a vinyl boat wrap starts at about $1,400 and goes up from there. The price will rise in accordance with boat size, boat type, wrap size, and wrap detail.
In most cases, wrapping your boat will cost much less than painting it. About a third less than repainting a boat would cost for a vinyl boat wrap, according to estimates. This makes it a desirable option for older boats that require a facelift but might not be worth the cost of a thorough rehab.
Depending on the type and size of the boat, full vinyl wraps can cost as much as $1,400. They start at $800 for a small, 12 to 16-foot (3.6 – 4.8 m) long fishing boat.
Paying for the boat’s removal from the water and delivery to the installer is also required. Therefore, it is advised to estimate $100 to $150 per 1 foot (0.3 m) for the entire job.
4 Factors That Affect The Cost Of A Boat Wrap
The wrapping material chosen, whether customization is desired, the precise technique used, location fees, and other availability factors are all variables that affect the price of boat wrapping. Let’s examine each of these elements in greater detail.
Boat Wrap Material
Knowing the different types of wrapping materials will help you determine how much it will cost to wrap your boat. To learn more about these materials, consult any boat wrap price guide.
You have the option of wrapping your boat in vinyl wraps or more durable materials like shrink wrap. The ideal boat wrapping solution can withstand any climate or season and even last for years.
Location Fees
The location of your boat or how close it is to the installer also matters. Shipping, courier, towing, boat-lifting from the water, and other delivery services cost less the closer you are.
The likelihood of additional fees increasing is also correlated with how far the installer is from your boat.
You may have to pay up to $2,000 to a transient installer to wrap your boat when you are outside of their location in addition to the approximate $200 cost of these locational charges or $5 to $10 per square foot.
Customization Needs
The size of your boat, the areas you need to cover, the special finish you want, and your skill level all influence the extent of your customization needs. The level of difficulty and the caliber of the work required also have an impact on the final cost, according to practical boat wrapping charts.
The total price of the boat wraps includes the design, a quarter, a half, or a full wrap, as well as the amount of graphics. The hull, mast, and access of your boat are just a few of the parts of the design that require excellent skills to adhere to.
The installer, location, and boat factors influence how much customization will cost. The price of customization ranges from $12 per graphic to $60 per hour for custom wraps. A $200 price tag applies to customization kits, additional design services, and special finishes.
Availability Expenses
Working on a DIY boat wrap is beneficial and can help you save $500 to $1,000, but you might end up paying more due to the availability of some materials.
Your costs could rise significantly if you don’t have a well-thought-out plan for obtaining all the materials you require.
If the wrapping method you had in mind is still readily available even though you had your heart set on another, it might still be the more cost-effective choice.
The Duration Of A Boat Wrap
Many vinyl boat wraps are frequently rated for 5-7 years, but those estimates should be regarded with caution. A vinyl boat wrap will eventually wear out, just like everything else related to boats and the sea. Similar to how they do to everything else, the elements have an impact.
The main enemy of a wrap is sunlight. Any vinyl will eventually suffer damage from the sun, regardless of how high-quality it is. It often makes a difference between a wrap lasting 2-3 years or 5+ years to store a boat away from the sun’s direct rays. Structure-wise, vinyl exposed to the sun is frequently completely devoid of its original color.
A wrap will also deteriorate as a result of abrasions, water, and time. Avoiding harsh chemicals and hard, sharp edges near the vinyl is the best thing you can do to protect your work from the risk of the adhesive being completely stripped off.
Conclusion
Boat wrapping typically costs less than painting and is less expensive to repair. In the end, you must choose which option is best for your boat and your individual requirements—a vinyl wrap or paint job.
This should help you get a good idea of how much it will cost to wrap your boat with high-quality vinyl. It’s not the easiest process in the world, but in the right situations, it’s well worth it.
