Boat wrapping advice please

[Steve Morgan]

I think I would steer clear of that as a project. That kind of hull is, I think, called a clinker build and is normally constructed in timber although I imagine there could be fibre glass re-inforced versions. The preparation of the surface would be a ridiculously long affair. As a shape to wrap, it might not be that difficult, but the environment that a boat hull is subjected to is far worse than any vehicle will ever have to withstand and with overlaps, joints and edges either submersed or partially submersed all the time. If it was a nice new smooth glass re-inforced or carbon fibre hull it would be worth looking onto with the correct material – my advice would be to stay with modern paint and anti-fouling.

[Ewan Chrystal]

Thanks Steve, this one is a fibre glass hull. What i’m thinking is primer then Avery supreme then edge sealer?

[Martyn Heath]

Yes I would use supreme wrap and you need to seal edges on or below water line. I remember when I quoted for a similar job my avery supplier recommended another vinyl that was proffered in these conditions. I would speak to your supplier. Def don’t use air release

[Ewan Chrystal]

That was my suppliers recommendation – that or Oracal 1380. TBH its not my normal type of work so it may be one that i price to the max in the hope they dont go for it but if they do at least i can take my time with a bit of margin for error. Also need to point out to customer that the manufacturer wont warranty below water line

[Robert Lambie]

I wouldn’t use Avery supreme, i would lean more to a cast wrapping film "without" any sort of air release adhesive system. If air can get out, there is a chance water can get in, or at least increase the chance of moisture getting under the leading edge of the film.
You could also consider using a 10 year regular Cast film… granted it is more difficult to apply but for this type of application and the fact its going into water, ide say that will be best film for the job. The adhesive is much more aggressive and will get to full bond, where as a wrapping films adhesive never gets to this type of bond to the surface because its is made to be removed with ease leaving little or no adhesive residue. A good cast film will also be more cost effective…

If you need the ease of application on your side, then probably Oracal 970 without the air release adhesive would be a good bet.

From the picture, I cannot see just how severe each of those slat changes are, but i wouldn’t feel comfortable if they form more of "right angle" recess rather than a "curve" in the corner of each slat change. if its a right angle then definitely no, it is not for wrapping!
I can see that towards the front of the boat the slats seam to be less sever, but maybe just lighting.

"IF" The slats are right angles in each corner of slat change, then i would opt for the 10yr cast.
I would apply each slat at a time starting from the top slat working way down. i would then apply second slat but overlapping the applied vinyl slat above by a 2-3mm. this wont be seen as it will be on the under side of each slat change. the reason for this is to deflect the water that the boat is travelling against.

Having joins is not what you want for both cosmetic and resistance to the water purposes. but lets face it, if each corner of the slat fails, its failed. it will also create a cavity for water to creep in from either the front or rear. as soon as that happens it will fill like a balloon.

Do not get me wrong, boats are wrapped all the time using wrapping films and other cast films with zero problems. but the shape of this boat is what brings things into question and i would rather give you a list of "possible" problems that "might" arise, and give you some food for thought. than give you a name of a film and tell you to "go for it".

To to add… Primers and edge sealers and tapes are fine to use and WILL give you a belt & braces approach. but my opinion on the primer. is that if required, then either the film being used is not for the job or maybe the job should not be wrapped at all to begin with!

keep in mind when pricing, this could be a timely process fitting this.

remember, all my comments are based on seeing this from a picture, which never gives a true scope of whats required.

[Ewan Chrystal]

Hi Robert, Yes the slats are more or less right angles. I think given the advice from you all and my limited expertise doing a job like this i am going to give it a body swerve. I can see more problems arising than not.