Any joins or seams in the vinyl wrap may be visible on close inspection, but step back a few feet and you would most likely have no idea they were there. Once finished and back in the water, it’s very hard to tell that your boat has been vinyl wrapped rather than painted, especially when viewed from a few feet away. With some colors (such as metallic effects) joins can be more visible. With that said, if you have any concerns about your design just send an inquiry and we will be happy to guide you.
Vinyl is generally more fade-resistant than paint. The premium quality 3M vinyl that we use is highly fade-resistant. Keep in mind that solid colors do have better fade-resistance properties than metallic colors.
Quality vinyl that has been professionally applied by FBC Marine and properly cared for should not lift or peel. Once we have finished your vessel, we will be happy to discuss proper care and maintenance in order to yield the best long-term results.
Yes, a vinyl boat wrap can be fully reversed with no damage to the underlying surface and no glue residue left behind, provided the underlying surface is in a good, sound condition when the vinyl is applied. Removing a vinyl wrap can be quite time-consuming, especially if the vinyl is old, but it is certainly possible.
For racing yachts where weight is critical, a vinyl boat wrap will generally be no heavier than a spray paint job, and will probably be lighter.
Vinyl boat wrapping can cost as little as a third of the price of a marine paint job. The cost savings are further increased by the fact that boat wraps can be applied in as little as a day or two, and can be done outdoors, reducing yard and shed time. Also, keep in mind that a wrap will protect your underlying paint coat against the elements.
The cost difference between vinyl wrapping and marine painting is generally more for bigger boats than smaller ones. Smaller boats (under 30 foot) can expect vinyl wrapping to cost around half the price of a professional paint job, while very large boats could find the cost is closer to a quarter of the price of professional painting.
The main factor is the height of your boat’s topsides. Vinyl is supplied in fixed widths, so if your boat’s topsides are slightly larger than the width of the vinyl, a second length would be needed for each side. Complex curves and hull fittings can also increase application time, and therefore cost. There are lots of ways we can work to keep the cost down for you though. Request an estimate now to get a rough idea of the cost for wrapping your boat.
More or less, yes! We can apply vinyl to painted hulls (topcoat or undercoat), gelcoats and aluminum boats, provided the surfaces are smooth.
Yes, your boat will need to be hauled out for a hull wrap, but for most boats, wrapping the hull will take just one or two days, so the costs for yard time (if needed) are minimal.
It can take as little as a day or two to apply a vinyl boat wrap, but it depends on the size of your boat. We will tell you the expected duration of the work when we quote the job.
Your boat’s hull will need to be sound, with no flaking paint or excessively chalky gelcoat. You should also ensure that the hull’s surface is level, as low or high spots will show up clearly under the vinyl. The hull should be clean and free from marine growth, mould or silicone. Hull fittings should ideally be removed, but if that’s not possible we can work around them.
We wouldn’t advise it. Boat wrapping is a specialized skill, and you’ll get the best results if you employ a qualified and experienced professional to do the work. ‘DIY’ boat wrap jobs often have problems with tears and bubbles, meaning your wrap won’t look as good.
Vinyl can be applied below the waterline of some vessels – usually tenders and small boats that are out of the water most of the time. However, do not guarantee on under-the-waterline jobs.
The premium 3M vinyl we use has a lifespan of up to 7 years (depending on the type of vinyl used), which makes it comparable with a marine paint job. Vinyl is generally more fade-resistant than paint, so you may find a vinyl wrap will keep your boat looking great for even longer than a paint job.
Vinyl will scratch more easily than paint or gelcoat, but this is offset by the ease and low cost of repairs – simply cut out the affected area and stick on a patch for a near-invisible fix.
Wash your vinyl boat wrap with soapy water only (never abrasives or solvents), and take care with high pressure water around edges and joins. More details will be provided by our experts at the time of install.
Vinyl boat wraps are incredibly easy to repair if damaged. Just cut out the affected area, then measure, cut and apply a suitable patch. If applied correctly, the joins should be practically invisible when viewed from a few feet away. And because vinyl is very fade-resistant, you won’t need to worry about color-matching as you would with a spray paint job.