Gear

Wrapping an Elite boat

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The first step to a quality boat wrap begins with its design, and that requires a graphic artist with an eye for space and composition. Here, a top designer for Wrap This Ink creates the concept on a computer.
The first step to a quality boat wrap begins with its design, and that requires a graphic artist with an eye for space and composition. Here, a top designer for Wrap This Ink creates the concept on a computer.
Although this looks like a photo of a completed wrap, it’s actually a computer generated view of the design “layered” against an image of the boat it’s intended for. This step not only provides a peek of what the finished product will look like, it allows the graphic artist to move the design against the background (in this case, the boat) for optimal positioning.
Although this looks like a photo of a completed wrap, it’s actually a computer generated view of the design “layered” against an image of the boat it’s intended for. This step not only provides a peek of what the finished product will look like, it allows the graphic artist to move the design against the background (in this case, the boat) for optimal positioning.
Once the design is completed, then comes the printing process … and that requires an industrial-strength printer. To give you an idea of its size, that roll of vinyl film is actually 4 feet wide and will run the entire length of the boat.
Once the design is completed, then comes the printing process … and that requires an industrial-strength printer. To give you an idea of its size, that roll of vinyl film is actually 4 feet wide and will run the entire length of the boat.
Once printed, the film is then laminated to a clear, protective layer of similar material. After curing for 24 hours, it’s given to the installers who will begin the application process.
Once printed, the film is then laminated to a clear, protective layer of similar material. After curing for 24 hours, it’s given to the installers who will begin the application process.
Here’s a closer look. Notice the shine?
Here’s a closer look. Notice the shine?
While the printing process is underway, technicians remove any hardware and accessories from the boat that might impede installation. That includes the cleats, rub rail, trolling motor, etc.
While the printing process is underway, technicians remove any hardware and accessories from the boat that might impede installation. That includes the cleats, rub rail, trolling motor, etc.
Even electronics and bow panel switches are removed – that is, if you want a quality installation.
Even electronics and bow panel switches are removed – that is, if you want a quality installation.
For improved mobility of the boat inside the shop, dollies are placed beneath the tires and wheels.
For improved mobility of the boat inside the shop, dollies are placed beneath the tires and wheels.
Next, the boat is raised from the trailer bunks and placed on temporary blocks. This gives installers better access to the sides of the hull.
Next, the boat is raised from the trailer bunks and placed on temporary blocks. This gives installers better access to the sides of the hull.
Here are some of the tools used by installers. Included are a roller, squeegees, scissors, razor knives and lots of tape.
Here are some of the tools used by installers. Included are a roller, squeegees, scissors, razor knives and lots of tape.
Like painting a car, masking is done before the application can begin.
Like painting a car, masking is done before the application can begin.
Once taping is finished, the boat is moved into a dust-free enclosure and given an alcohol bath. This ensures that the film will adhere to the boat’s surface correctly, and for a long time.
Once taping is finished, the boat is moved into a dust-free enclosure and given an alcohol bath. This ensures that the film will adhere to the boat’s surface correctly, and for a long time.
Just before the wrap is about to be installed, additional adhesive is applied to high stress areas – like raised or recessed contour lines and sharp corners.
Just before the wrap is about to be installed, additional adhesive is applied to high stress areas – like raised or recessed contour lines and sharp corners.
Here, installers peel the backing from the adhesive side of the material.
Here, installers peel the backing from the adhesive side of the material.
With the backing removed, the next step is to approximate the wrap’s position relative to the boat’s surface.
With the backing removed, the next step is to approximate the wrap’s position relative to the boat’s surface.
At this point, actual application begins. Those small pieces of masking tape serve as reference points, so that the installers know precisely where to position the material against the boat’s sides.
At this point, actual application begins. Those small pieces of masking tape serve as reference points, so that the installers know precisely where to position the material against the boat’s sides.
The seam for the rub rail serves as the starting point. From there, the material is spread across the surface above and below. It’s a tedious process requiring patience and skill.
The seam for the rub rail serves as the starting point. From there, the material is spread across the surface above and below. It’s a tedious process requiring patience and skill.
At this stage, you can see the wrap beginning to take shape.
At this stage, you can see the wrap beginning to take shape.
Once the wrap is fully applied, the rub rail, trolling motor and other accessories are reinstalled.
Once the wrap is fully applied, the rub rail, trolling motor and other accessories are reinstalled.
Next comes the “second surface” application, which simply means the placement of additional signage in the form of decals.
Next comes the “second surface” application, which simply means the placement of additional signage in the form of decals.
Each decal is positioned according to a template provided by the graphic artist with the client’s approval.
Each decal is positioned according to a template provided by the graphic artist with the client’s approval.
With the wrap complete and everything in place, then comes the big reveal.
With the wrap complete and everything in place, then comes the big reveal.
Here’s a closer look.
Here’s a closer look.
Here’s a sneak peek at Edwin Evers’ new rig, which debuted at the GEICO Bassmaster Classic in Tulsa. All that remains is the reinstallation of the rub rail, trolling motor and other external components.
Here’s a sneak peek at Edwin Evers’ new rig, which debuted at the GEICO Bassmaster Classic in Tulsa. All that remains is the reinstallation of the rub rail, trolling motor and other external components.
Likewise for KVD’s new ride.
Likewise for KVD’s new ride.
If anyone in the sport should wave the “Enigma” banner, it’s fishing savant Aaron Martens. Here’s his new wrap just prior to second-surface application.
If anyone in the sport should wave the “Enigma” banner, it’s fishing savant Aaron Martens. Here’s his new wrap just prior to second-surface application.
Like many Elite Series pros, Gerald Swindle has his truck wrapped to match his boat. And in true to “G-man” fashion, his wrap makes a statement!
Like many Elite Series pros, Gerald Swindle has his truck wrapped to match his boat. And in true to “G-man” fashion, his wrap makes a statement!
Casey Ashley takes a softer, more laid back approach. Here’s his new Tundra wrapped in a Costa motif.
Casey Ashley takes a softer, more laid back approach. Here’s his new Tundra wrapped in a Costa motif.
Terry “Big Show” Scroggins always does it with style. Here’s his latest wrap, also by the guys at Wrap This Ink.
Terry “Big Show” Scroggins always does it with style. Here’s his latest wrap, also by the guys at Wrap This Ink.
This is the brain trust behind Wrap This Ink – Dale Salamacha, Rick Ream and Damon Coppola (L-R).
This is the brain trust behind Wrap This Ink – Dale Salamacha, Rick Ream and Damon Coppola (L-R).

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