With a rich maritime history, the culture of Vancouver revolves predominantly around the sea. No other part of the city underlines this culture more than False Creek and Howe Sound. This beautiful part of the city doubles as a boat owner’s dream. Still, keeping a boat’s exterior well-maintained can be a real challenge, considering the effect of the prevailing saltwater, direct sun exposure, and other elements. Boats can look quite faded and water-damaged after too many summers on the water.
Marine paint is expensive, takes a long time, and can be a hassle with the sanding that requires the boat to be beached for several weeks. Thankfully, we’ve noticed a new trend amongst BC boaters that is more convenient and is highly vinyl boat wraps, a modern option for cosmetic repairs, to protect the exterior from future fading, and is quick to apply.
A well-done boat wrap can certainly transform an aging and sun-faded boat. At Wrap Experts, we’ve customized and protected many boats from the elements, and newly purchased boats to give them the boat wrap we protected the fading Hull. Custom vinyl wraps are versatile and can be designed to suit your personal style. They’re also durable and more affordable than a paint job.
What are Boat Wraps?
Boat wraps are just like large vinyl decals that are laid on top of the gel coat of the hull. Although this may seem like an easy process, the technology involved is quite advanced. Companies like 3M and Avery Dennison create marine vinyl that is built to handle the challenges that come with being on the water.
Vinyl wraps, unlike paint, are not permanent. They stick to the hull and can be removed after some years, keeping the gel coat underneath unharmed, and leaving the hull in a pristine state, which is something potential buyers are usually glad to see.
What is Better, Wrapping or Marine Paint?
This is a common debate in the boating community, and for many boat owners in Vancouver, this debate is not an issue at all. Wrapping is the obvious choice for various reasons. Cost is the most noticeable factor, for a professional vinyl wrap, one can expect to spend just a third of the cost of a quality marine paint job.
Another important consideration is the time factor. We understand that you prefer to be on the water rather than waiting for your boat to be serviced. A paint job on your boat usually takes several weeks due to the prep work needed along with the priming, painting, and curing that all need to be done. In contrast, with a wrap, you will be able to have your boat back within a few days and be able to set out again to explore the Gulf Islands.
Custom Graphics Bring Creativity to Life
Vinyl wrapping is one of the most creative forms of boat servicing and entertainment at sea with its ability for boat owners to have custom designs created. Paint jobs are limited to chemistry and application methods. With a wrap, the only limit is your imagination.
If your boat is a part of a marine business, such as a fishing charter or a tour company, then you have a great opportunity to advertise as your boat is a moving billboard. Wrap Experts can design and install branding along with full scale logos and contact information, diverting attention on the water and at the harbor.
For personal boats and vessels, the options are just as abundant. You may decide to trigger an outward visual change of your boat with just a colour shift, such as a smooth matte black, a deep metallic blue, or a textural carbon fiber finish. Alternatively, you can choose a mix of colour and finish with detailed designs or even marine camo. This means not only is the boat visually appealing, but the ability to customize your boat to your exact design is phenomenal.
Protection Against the Elements
The sun’s rays are tough on materials used for construction, and Vancouver’s coastal environment, while stunning, adds to the challenge. As gel coats begin to oxidize and turn chalky, constant buffing and waxing becomes necessary to maintain a shine.
Vinyl wraps serve as both a means of temporary and permanent protection. Docking a vessel always presents the potential challenge of a high impact collision. However, a major collision may be prevented with the sacrificial layer providing primary protection from every scratch to the surface and minor collisions.
The Installation Process Explained
In order to give the boat a flawless finish, careful and skilled preparation is required. Each hull must be thoroughly decontaminated and cleaned to allow for perfect bonding by the adhesive. It is normally necessary to remove existing hardware, such as railings and vents, to permit the vinyl to be installed without limitations.
As do-it-yourself projects go, Wrapping a boat is a complex venture that takes much time and energy if you opt for a professional installation, such as Wrap Experts, I cant even imagine how accurately one would need to use a heat gun to stretch and mold the vinyl to complex curves like the one that is on the hull of a boat. Professionals, however, know how to use a heat gun to stretch and mold the vinyl without bubbles and secured edges.
Maintenance for your Wrapped Boat in BC
There is a considerable misconception that the wraps are high maintenance. In actuality, they are easier to maintain than the paint on a boat. There is no need to worry about buffing and waxing the paint. Simple soap and water usually make for a perfectly maintained boat.
High pressure water jet systems can lift the edges on the vinyl, and as such should not be used. The use of abrasive brushes, and harsh solvents should be avoided. For boats that are in saltwater regularly a good rinse after use can prevent the salt wrap. Good quality marine wrap can be an investment for the medium to long term as it will last around 5 to 7 years based on the quality of maintenance.
Make a Statement on the Water
Your boat’s personality is all its own and is also a big investment. Whether you are looking to cover up a faded hull, apply a brand to a commercial vessel, or want to keep things fresh with a new color, vinyl wraps are your best option for an affordable and functional solution.
Vancouver’s waters are filled with white fiberglass hulls. Why not stand out with a custom sea-glass look? If you are ready to dive into the many possibilities with marine vinyl,
