Vinyl Wrapping a hull......Has anyone done this?

[MikeACY]

I have a 2011 28 foot Ciera 2855 Bravo III 350 mag. The blue hull looks horrible. I tried everything to make it look presentable....compound, wax, polish...etc. I'm thinking of either vinyl Wrap or painting. Not looking to spend a lot of money. So my questions are....
1) Approx cost including installation. ( I live in New Jersey)
2) how long does it last?
3) Does it fade?
4) Durable?
5) Good idea overall?

Thanks.
Mike

[infy]

Photos?

You're probably better off painting it. Cheaper and more durable.

[percs]

Here are two pics of a 38 Bayliner, done about 3 years ago here in Anacortes, WA

Hull was white and now blue viynl wrapped.

Owner said cost was about $15K and is easy to repair if damaged. To paint it was about $30K

He showed me how simple it is to repair with a heat gun...Impressive.

David

[CaptainEdd]

I have not done this, but I have had a lot of vinyl graphics on the hills of previous boats I have owned.

If you keep the boat at a dock, you can expect your bumpers to do a lot of damage, especially on windy or wavy days.

Also, UV will do a lot of fading. Expect to have to redo the job every 10 years, probably sooner if you live in a more sunny/warmer climate.

[Simonsen]

Prism Graphics does wraps on boats. They do a great job and are reasonably priced (cheaper than 15k one in Anacortes for a 38). Wrapping is way cheaper than painting and the vinyl will hold up really well. I have had it before with no issues at all. You just have to get a very experienced installer to make sure they do a good job on the seems and the hard angle locations (they'll use adhesive there too).

[infy]

Also, UV will do a lot of fading. Expect to have to redo the job every 10 years, probably sooner if you live in a more sunny/warmer climate.

It can be as little as 2 years in places like Florida. The industry guys I talked to basically said Vinyl is temporary by design. Depends on how your boat is stored too. Marina, lift, or a shed. Vinyl is also generally far more sensitive to chemicals, diesel, and gasoline. Any solvents won't be kind to it.

I got wildly different quotes depending on the company I talked to. I wouldn't go for the lowest bidder as longevity of wrap depends on the materials and application process. The prep can be extensive.
More of a personal opinion but as a flat shade I feel paint always looks much better. Vinyl has a plastic look I can't get past. But if you're happy with the look that's all that maters.

[MikeACY]

Thank you all for your reply!! I'll get some estimates, but if the price is higher then i want to spend, then i'll just let it be... It seems it may not be as durable as I was hoping for.

[infy]

For what it's worth, everyone I know with vinyl is happy with the outcome so far. It's not a bad solution.

The reason I pursued it is I thought it's easier to apply in the state of WA. There are almost no yards that will let you spray.

[moultdkdj]

The previous owner of my boat had the blue painted because original gel coat was faded. I bought the boat in 2013 and it still looks great, I have never had to take compound to it, I just use Finess It and wax. I did have some repairs done over the years, when I bought the boat the port side had some docking damage that needed two thirds of the blue repaired and repainted that cost $600 and I also had the starboard side repaired from gouges from a steel post at a dock in Canada, that repair was $250. I consider both repairs inexpensive to have done, I would think if I had a wrap it would of been alot more.
I find the painted blue to be very durable and easy to maintain. I did ask my glass guy how much the entire blue would cost to do and he said between $2600-$3000.

[joe440]

Friend wrapped his Searay 2-1/2 years ago. Blue and wood grain. Still looks as good as the first day