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How Much Does It Cost to Wrap a Boat to Protect Its Good Shape

Written by J. Harvey / Fact checked by S. Numbers

how much does it cost to wrap a boat

To protect or restore a boat, you can paint or wrap it. Of these two methods, the latter is more affordable. It can cost between $600 and $3,200, depending on several factors. In this article, we will delve into the details of the factors: boat wrap material, wrapping method, customization needs, location fees, and availability expenses.

Continue reading to learn all the details of how much does it cost to wrap a boat.

4 Factors That Affect the Cost of a Boat Wrap

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Factors that affect the boat wrapping cost include the wrapping material used, whether customization is requested, the specific method employed, the location fees, and other considerations of availability. Let’s explore each of these factors in detail.

1. Boat Wrap Material

The wrapping materials come in various types and knowing them helps you get the needed boat wrap cost.

You can refer to any boat wrap price guide and get the information you need to know about these materials.

You can choose to either shrink wrap your boat or use sturdy wrapping materials like the commonly used Vinyl wraps.

The best boat wrapping option is suitable for any environment or season and even lasts for years matters.

Consider the option that has superior boat exterior restoration, lasting durability, and protection at an affordable cost.

  • Vinyl-Wrapping

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Each boat vinyl wrap cost varies from simple to custom, single, graphic, and full wrap installations on different boat sizes and types.

But in general, vinyl-wrapping costs $1,400 to $1,800 for smaller16-footer boats and $2,400 to $4,100 for medium to larger boats.

Vinyl wrapping lasts 3 or more years compared to other boat wrapping or marine boat painting methods. Hence, you will not have to shell out more money to replace it any time soon.

Vinyl wraps only require easy, “do-it-yourself” installation so you can factor out the costs of hiring a professional installer as well.

Shrink-wrapping is charged per foot covered on a boat. Generally, it can cost from $12 to $25 per square foot for powerboats and $3

Shrink-wrapping a boat by a professional installer incurs around $12, but as with vinyl, you can do the shrink-wrapping yourself and save money.

There are also accessories that you must take into account, including anti moisture bags and mold protection vents, which are around $4 to $8 per square foot.

If you want to keep an anti-mold spray handy and wrap the entrance, add $30 to $50 to the total bill.

2. Customization Needs

The extent of your customization needs is determined by your boat size, areas to cover, special finish, and skills, and the difficulty level and quality of work needed affect the final cost, following practical boat wrapping charts.

The final boat wraps pricing include the amount of graphics, and a quarter, half, or a full wrap and design.

The design entails great skills to adhere to your boat shape sections, such as the hull, mast, and access.

The installer, location, and boat considerations attribute to the customization cost variables.

The customization costs range from $12 per piece of graphics, and $60 per hour of customs wraps.

Customization kits, other extra design services, and special finishes come with a price tag of about $200.

Special finishes include carbon, chrome, gel coats, full or partial design creativity, and the use of impervious types of materials.

3. Location Fees

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The location of your boat or its proximity to the installer also plays a role.

The closer you are, the less you have to pay for shipping, courier, towing, boat-lift from the water, and other delivery services.

Likewise, the farther the installer is from your boat location, the higher chances of additional charges you can get.

These locational charges may cost about $200 or $5 to $10 per square foot, and you may have to pay up to $2,000 to a transient installer to wrap your boat when you are outside their location.

4. Availability Expenses

Though working on a DIY boat wrap is good and can save you $500 to $1,000, you may have to shell out more because of the availability of certain materials.

If you do not have a clear, thought-out plan to get all the materials you need, your cost can significantly increase.

If you originally had your eyes on one wrapping process, but it is not available, it may still be the more economical option if it is readily available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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1. How Much Does A DIY Boat Wrap Cost?

Most boating professionals have gained great experiences when it comes to determining budget-friendly boat wrapping. In some cases, they gain a fraction of the professional boat wrapping pricing when working by themselves.

Always consider the aforementioned factors in doing the boat wrap yourself. When you’ve gained handy experience in wrapping your boat for winter, exercise caution to deter further costs.

Evaluating the difficulties versus your patience and approach for boat shrink-wrapping or vinyl-wrapping helps you know your DIY wrap cost, as well.

2. How Long A Boat Wrapping Can Last?

Determining the cost of your boat wrap involves the life span of each vinyl-wrap or shrink-wrap element of a boat.

Each wrapping element has its own way of coping with their environments, and thus possess distinct lifespans.

Commonly, vinyl boat wraps last for over 5 years, while shrink-wrapped boats go on for about 2 to 3 years, max.

3. How To Get A Fair Pricing For A Boat Wrapping Service?

Getting a fair price for a boat wrapping process may seem easy but it also relies on the information you have.

It involves the line of services you can get from a company or installer, depending on your needs and specifications.

You should compute, then compare the final wrapping cost based on your needs of a few companies or installers.

You can get fair pricing estimates by contacting several companies near you. Ask for quotes with specific service breakdowns to grasp accurate pricing and decide your final option.

Conclusion

You’re now equipped with information on “how much does it cost to wrap a boat?” Continuing to learn about these marine recommendations will lead to optimal boat wrap costing.

Doing a shrink or vinyl wrapping process secures your boat’s new look and protection from damage. Deploying a time-efficient and lasting boat wrap optimizes your budget efficiency and convenience.

The better boat wrapping cost spent ensures high quality and durability for more use and an extended lifespan. So, ensure cost-effective wrapping spending to protect your boat.

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