Paint or vinyl wrap?

B

bshillam

Active member
Joined
May 31, 2012
Messages
36
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
Non-Fluid Motion Model
4800 Navigator
Vessel Name
Our Heaven
Has anyone custom painted or vinyl wrapped their tugs, wants to share pictures? Trying to decide if it's something I want to do this season.
 
I have not done it personally, but know people who have done both. If it were me I would go with Awlgrip. The vinyl is less expensive but can scratch/tear easily and requires great care when docking etc. Granted it can be "repaired" but it is somewhat noticeable. Also it is not forever. I believe it has about a five year lifespan. So I guess it is a matter of picking your poison. Additionally, if you go with Awlgrip, I would want to physically see other boats that the firm did in the past. I have seen beautiful paint jobs and some not so good.
 
3rd option would be to have a real detail and Ceramic Coat the it. What you get is a boat with the original gel coat that has a shinier finish with a UV protective coating that could last quite a long time compared to wax of any kind. You can see some examples in my album or pm me and I'll send you some pictures of before and after boats that now look like new. Any others interested, pm me. Kevin
 
Re: Boat is getting a makeover (ceramic coating)
Postby Kaptajnen on Mon Sep 07, 2020 8:11 am

As an alternative to ceramic coating, I suggest you check out Prism Graphics in Seattle. They wrap hulls above the waterline with vinyl, which provides a durable and beautiful way to protect the original paint. We had our R31-SE wrapped two years ago, right before delivery while it was at the Ranger Tugs facility in Des Moines, but Prism Graphics normally wrap boats inside their large facility in South Seattle.

I can’t say enough about the high quality of their product and workmanship. The boat looks a pristine as the day it was delivered. There is a recent photo in my album, but I forgot how to link it to a post.

Anyway check them out at their website, which has lots of photos and testimonials.

https://www.prismgraphics.com/boats
 
bshillam":1dlw6tq4 said:
Has anyone custom painted or vinyl wrapped their tugs, wants to share pictures? Trying to decide if it's something I want to do this season.
Click to expand...

I also live in Portland.

I trailered my Midnight Blue RT31CB to be vinyl wrapped by Tommy's Window Tinting in Clackamas. He did a lot of research with the manufacturer and installed an 11 mil product. It is significantly thicker than the product installed on cars and is already ceramic coated so it is hydrophobic and I got a lifetime guarantee.

He also wrapped the aluminum bottom of my tender in midnight blue, applied the graphics and then covered it again with 17 mil clear wrap.

Tommy did an amazing job (it took some patience for him to get the job done,) but it was worth it. It was not cheap, but half of it was for materials.

I am moored at Jantzen Bay Marina. Give me a call 678-837-9301 if you want to take a look.

Patrick Norris
MV Toujours
 
I am in the process of having my Red 2014 R21EC completely polished and ceramic coated. Total cost should be about $1800.

I am very intrigued by the hydrophobic vinyl option. Can anyone tell me the approximate cost per foot?
 
does the boat need to come out of the water for ceramic coating?
 
Yes the boat should be out of the water to Ceramic coat it. Buffing and polishing correctly on the hull is impossible to do correctly in the water. If the boat is not prepared correctly Ceramic coating it would be a waste of time,money and product. The same goes for wax. To many times I see a guy standing on a doc with 1 hand on a rail and the other with a buffer trying to shine up a boat. They smear on some crud let it set up then polish it up. 3 months later it all dries up and looks like crap all over again. Personally I don't consider that detailing. Just my opinion. I have some pictures in my album of ceramic coated boats if you are interested in seeing what it looks like. Kevin
 
Kevinandcarol":3ju3iipe said:
Yes the boat should be out of the water to Ceramic coat it. Buffing and polishing correctly on the hull is impossible to do correctly in the water. If the boat is not prepared correctly Ceramic coating it would be a waste of time,money and product. The same goes for wax. To many times I see a guy standing on a doc with 1 hand on a rail and the other with a buffer trying to shine up a boat. They smear on some crud let it set up then polish it up. 3 months later it all dries up and looks like crap all over again. Personally I don't consider that detailing. Just my opinion. I have some pictures in my album of ceramic coated boats if you are interested in seeing what it looks like. Kevin
Click to expand...

I can personally attest to everything Kevin is saying. Not only have I had my cars and RT ceramic coated... but I paid for many years to wax my old boats... Many years! Nothing has held up as beautifully as the ceramic coating Kevin applied! Money WELL spent! I wouldn't hesitate one second to recommend a good quality, color corrected ceramic coating like Kevin does!

It's been almost 1 year since he has done his magic, and it's held up beautifully. Minimal upkeep. No wax has ever given me this protection. Highly recommended!
 
I can +1 the ceramic, as a new recipient of it. Kevin made our 2019 C30 look better than new! He detailed and coated it while we were hauled out for annual service.

Now every bit of water and dirt just beads up and is easily washed away. He also added (optional) invisible, clear vinyl landing spots for the fenders, so they won't damage the finish.

One thing about the ceramic is that it covers everything from the water up. So the topside deck, such as the bow, is coated and stays very clean. This is especially nice for the top.
 
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