Boats

2011 Boat Wraps: How And Why To Find The Perfect Wrap

By Luke

Updated: June 1, 2011

The TransWorld WAKEBOARDING Supra Launch 21V features a boat wrap from ZDecals.

Give your boat a facelift before hitting the lake this summer. Whether you’re looking for a minor update in the appearance department or a completely new guise for your ride, a boat wrap is the perfect solution. Boat wraps are vinyl decals with digitally printed graphics that are laminated with a protective UV film and adhered to a boat’s exterior. Or, more simply, “Think of a wrap as adding a second skin to your boat,” says Matt Clower, owner of MC Graphics, a New Mexico company that handles Malibu’s wrap duties.

Refresh your ride

Boat wraps come in a variety of sizes, giving you plenty of options to fit your desired look and budget. Partial wraps, which cover 50 to 75 percent of your boat’s visible exterior, are a good option if you’re looking to spruce up your boat on a budget. If you want to go all-out, however, a full wrap can cover every inch of your boat’s sides, transom and even swim platform. Because wraps are made with opaque adhesive, they wrap right over any color gelcoat, lending the appearance of an entirely new boat and a fresh face on the water.

Protect your investment

In addition to an appearance upgrade, wraps also protect what’s underneath, helping to prevent the gelcoat from fading and shielding against minor bumps and scrapes. “Wraps offer a lot of additional protection,” says Nick West of ZDecals, which produces wraps for Supra and Moomba. “But they’re not like an Army tank or anything.” Major hits will damage the wrap, and the more you baby your wrap, the longer it will last.

Go custom

When it comes to wraps, if you can dream it, you can do it. While most wake boat wrap companies offer dozens of stock designs, they also give you the option of complete customization. Or opt for a stock design and make it your own by changing colors and adding or deleting graphic elements. Manufacturers generally don’t charge for simple color changes, but more involved customization will cost you.

Find the ideal wrap for your wakeboard boat on the following pages.