Boating

 WEEKEND WORKBOOK

Applying vinyl graphics on a boat ranks

as a methodical do-it-yourself project. To

learn more, we sought guidance from Chris

Youngash, owner of Wrap Works (wrapworks

.com) in Costa Mesa, California, and a 15-year

industry veteran. We followed along as he

installed a boat name on a Pathfi nder Tourna-

ment 2200 bay boat while it sat on a trailer.

In ordering a graphic, make sure the shop

utilizes high-performance cast-vinyl material,

Youngash says. It is less likely to shrink than the

vinyl used at a neighborhood sign shop, and it’s

UV stabilized. Both parameters are critical in a

marine environment.

Cost depends on the size, colors and

complexity. The 11-by-72-inch digital print we

installed cost $125. Most vinyl-graphic shops

also offer design services (minimum $75 at

Wrap Works) to guide you, either in person or

via email, in creating a graphic that meets your

desires, fi ts the space and complements

your boat. Today’s digital print technology

allows you to integrate vivid images and create

virtually any concept you wish. — Jim Hendricks

HOW TO INSTALL DECALS LIKE A PRO

Applying Vinyl Graphics

2

FIND THE CENTER Use a tape measure or

yard stick to fi nd the vertical center of the

area where you want to apply the decal and

mark it with a grease pencil above the application

area. The vinyl graphic you ordered will come

sandwiched between backing paper and semi-

transparent transfer paper. Lightly fold it in half

lengthwise; the crease will indicate the vertical

center of the decal. Align the crease with the mark

on the hull and roughly position the decal with

pieces of masking tape.

3

POSITION THE GRAPHIC Align the top of

the decal (not the paper) to a horizontal

reference line, such as the rub rail underside,

to create pleasing and consistent spacing

between the reference line and the top of the

graphic from front to back. Once happy with

the positioning, run a long piece of masking tape

across the top edge of the graphic’s paper carrier

and remove any small pieces of tape. This serves

as a temporary “hinge” at the top of the decal.

Leave it in place until step 5.

1

CLEAN THE SURFACE Choose a calm,

windless day with air temperatures above

65 degrees F to apply the decal. Start your

project by washing the application surface with

soap and water to remove any salt or scum, rinse

liberally with water, and dry with a clean towel

to avoid water spots. Next, spray a 70-percent

isopropyl alcohol solution across the entire area

and wipe it down with a clean microfi ber towel to

remove any residual wax, grease or oil from the

application surface.

The Boat Doctor

42 BOATINGMAG.COM APRIL 2016