Boat transom sign 2D / 3D – ideas for good and long lasting materials on sea?

[RobertLambie]

Hi Pane

Do you mean a vinyl that can last at sea?

If so, I would say a good quality cast will be fine. However, some manufacturers either have a marine grade or qualify the likes of their cast to be used as one. From memory, “I think” Oracal has marine-grade vinyl.

It also depends on the type of boat it will be used on and the elements it will be commonly exposed to. i.e. is it a sailboat on a lake, or is it a fishing boat in the north sea!?

I have an ongoing project I can’t speak much about due to the scale and customer involved. but they want everything above spec and the materials must be able to withstand hailstones up to 25mm in diameter at ex-amount of speed, temperature and all sorts. And all at sea!

I also know of multiple wrappers that simply use standard wrapping cast on boats.
Some will edge seal the vinyl with a liquid, some will use an overlap of clear, while others use nothing. by that, I mean large panels that the edge is directly being hit with the water in the direction it’s coming. if that makes sense?

I said multiple times in the past that I am not keen on the likes of air-release vinyl being used on boats. but as I have also said above, a great many do it regardless and have no issues I have heard of.
however, this gold-wrapped boat did fail multiple times and there could be various reasons for it, but in my opinion, the air release adhesive system is the wrong type for this application.
My logic? if air can get out, water can get in!

https://youtu.be/ht0nhgl-Znw

here is a link to an old editorial we did…
https://uksignboards.com/forums/discussion/gold-wrapped-bellami-hair-superyacht-arrives-in-london/

[Martyn Heath]

i believe the main point is to seal the edges. Ive done a few boats now using air release wrap film but seal the edge with primer and clear tape giving a double barrier. Also none of the graphics are ever below the waterline

[RobertLambie]

I agree Martyn, but I think when it comes to fast-moving boats or those out at sea exposed to the elements for days on end, the waves kick up the boat can take a pounding.

this is the boat above showing wear and tear! 😬🤨

+1 More Photos

[Kevin Mahoney]

I think simply drilling a few small holes just below the water line & then a few bigger ones would make that job much more appealing to the eye

[Martyn Heath]

Jeez i see what your saying!! when im talking boat im talking about 6m fishing boats on the lake 🙂 im assuming cruise liners in the open ocean is a different ball game. I can imagine this graphics company will soon be bankrupt

[Pane Talev]

This is a google image from what I’m after. (doesn’t have to be stainless steel – unless stainless steel is a must)

In-house I can only laser cut.

I wonder how acrylic cut letters on standoffs will perform at see?

[Martyn Heath]

i would be confindent in acylic doing the job just fine but stainless syeel is obviously your safe place

[Kevin Mahoney]

I would go 10mm acrylic but seeing these things bumping off quaysides & moorings, I’d rather suface mount with a double sided tape instead of stand off locators

[RobertLambie]

That “looks” like a proper chrome dipped, 3-4mm buffed edge aluminium raised on polished stainless locators.
The lower section just looks like cut vinyl. But could also be paint with Silverleaf, clear coated and polished.

Obviously, you know the size and value of this boat and the money behind the owner.
If they want it done right, then give them it or they will go elsewhere! What is expensive to you and I, is not looked on in the same way.

If you are unsure, give them two options, what is being suggested here and what you see in that photo. But be sure to charge plenty for your time and effort, and of course, the professional installation of it on an expensive boat.

don’t get me wrong, laser-cut, polished edge lettering like this in 10mm acrylic would look amazing too. but if it’s low down like the one in the picture, it could slice the leg of a staggering bikini-clad sun worshiper walking past in flip-flops with half a bottle of champers in them! 🤨