DIY Boat Wrap?
Submitted by MarineSkins on Wed, 2021-07-21 18:32
Hi everyone,
I have been looking at some other posts on this forum on the topic of vinyl wrapping your own boat.
Most people seem to have been successful at wrapping on their first attempt which is awesome however, since we are trying to improve our service as an online diy boat wrap kit supplier, I was wondering if anyone had any doubts or concerns that we could address?
We have had great feedback (especially from members of this forum!) on our designs, instructions and prices which is great but we are still happy to answer any questions and offer tips etc, whether you got your wrap from us or not.
BTW I am loving this fourm - been spending way too much time on here haha! 
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Cheers!
Will & Ben @ Marine Skins
Marine Skins - DIY Boat Wrap Kits
Faulkner Family
Posts: 18036
Date Joined: 11/03/08
Are these wraps suitable to
Are these wraps suitable to go on an old glass hull and if so what prep is needed to do so . I have an old swiftcraft
RUSS and SANDY. A family that fishes together stays together
MarineSkins
Posts: 8
Date Joined: 16/07/21
Hi guys,yes absolutely. I
Hi guys,
yes absolutely. I reckon older boats benefit from a wrap the most and it is a cost effective way to bring new life to a tired looking boat.
There is some preparation involved. Firstly you will need to repair any major damage which you will want to do anyway if you want your boat to stay on top of the water!
Any flaking paint will beed to be removed and if the paint is chaulked that will need to be buffed off (clay bar is handy for that.) Any old sicker residue also needs to be cleaned off.
But in general, you just need to give the boat a good wash, then hit it with wax and grease remover, and then isopropyl alcohol. Let the boat dry completely and make sure no water is leaking from the anchor well before wrapping.
Basically you just need a nice clean smooth surface for the wrap to adhere to. Minor scratches can be wrapped over no problem.
Note that flat side hulls are much easier to wrap. if you have a 'clinker' style hull it can take a little longer as you need to heat the vinyl and stretch it over the ridges as you go.
Cheers!
Will & Ben @ Marine Skins
Marine Skins - DIY Boat Wrap Kits
Niko
Posts: 213
Date Joined: 26/11/13
Clinker Style Hull
Is there any scope for an instructional video on wrapping the clinker style hulls in the future?
Also how do your wraps fair against UV rays if left fully moderately exposed?
I have a quintrex with this style which has copped it from the WA sun, all the decalls are faded and cracked so very interested in one of your wraps in future.
Cheers,
MarineSkins
Posts: 8
Date Joined: 16/07/21
Hi Niko, We will be making a
Hi Niko,
A video on how to wrap a clinker style is in the works and you should see it very near future. That style is the most challenging to wrap, they are done in a particular order and take a few extra steps and time to complete. We are working as quickly as possible to get another video made.
Life span is the reason we only use Avery Dennison with the polyurethane over laminate especially on the water as it has a double effect, sun hitting it from above and reflecting off the water at the same time. It has a lifespan of up to 7 years. be aware though that the further north you are the lower the expected life. For example in Darwin if left in a vertical north facing, static position, the expected lifespan is 3 years. Best way to keep the wrap performing is to wash it regularly. The difference in quality difference between a wrap film and regular cheap decal sticker is vast, even when using the same brands. While the wrap will take damage from the sun up to 7years it is actually protecting boat surface, which is especially good for the fibreglass and painted boats that tend to go chalky in the sun over time.
Cheers!
Will & Ben @ Marine Skins
Marine Skins - DIY Boat Wrap Kits
MarineSkins
Posts: 8
Date Joined: 16/07/21
BTW we will be happy to
BTW we will be happy to guide you with the install on your clinker hull via phone/video call and answer any questions you may have along the way if you are wanting to wrap your boat sooner rather than later!
Cheers!
Will & Ben @ Marine Skins
Marine Skins - DIY Boat Wrap Kits
Niko
Posts: 213
Date Joined: 26/11/13
If i was able to do it in
If i was able to do it in the short term would definitely take you up on the offer but having a second kid coming along may delay things!
Appreciate the support though as i am sure others would.
For the price 7 years isnt too bad so will definately consider for a refresh over the next few years, hopefully sooner.
Thanks for your response