Yacht Wrapping Guide – Hull Wrapping - 08/09/2025

Adapted from Yacht Wrapping Bible – The Ultimate Guide to Yacht Wrapping by LuxWrap®

What size is your hull?

When most people picture yacht wrapping, the hull is the first image that springs to mind. However wrapping a hull can mean very different things depending on whether we’re talking about a nimble 10m powerboat or a 100m+ superyacht. The challenges, budgets, and even the type of contractor required vary enormously.

In this post, we’ll look at the essentials of hull wrapping: preparation, materials, and how projects differ depending on vessel size.

Preparation is Everything

A flawless wrap starts long before the first sheet of film is applied. Hull surfaces need to be clean, smooth, and free of defects. Vinyl can’t hide scratches or cracks — in fact, imperfections only become more noticeable once covered. Areas where water might creep in must be repaired, and any flaking paint has to be sanded back.

Successful projects also rely on logistics. Lifts, scaffolding, rafts — all of these need to be in place before contractors arrive. Missteps here can delay an installation by days. At LuxWrap, we stress this stage with crews, because good planning saves money and avoids headaches later.

Choosing Materials Wisely

Not all vinyl is created equal. A big-name brand doesn’t always guarantee reliability, and sometimes lesser-known manufacturers outperform them in harsh marine conditions. The golden rule: use materials with a track record at sea.

It’s also worth remembering that vinyl is not a replacement for paint — it’s a complement. Wraps can look stunning and last for years, but they won’t match the longevity of a full paint system. Setting expectations correctly makes for happier owners and smoother projects.

Smaller Yachts (Under 20m)

For yachts under 20m, wrapping is often chosen as a cost-friendly alternative to paint. It can give an older boat a facelift before resale, or let an owner try out a bold new colour without committing permanently.

These jobs are usually done on hard standing, using scaffolding or lifts. Because smaller boats are more prone to bumps and scrapes, we often recommend an added layer of protection with paint protection film (PPF), like NinjaShield®. It costs more upfront but dramatically improves gloss and durability.

Local wrap shops can often handle yachts at this scale. Owners should still do their homework — check portfolios, ask about past marine projects, and make sure the films being used are proven in saltwater conditions.

Superyachts (30–60m)

The bigger the yacht, the bigger the savings compared to paint. For vessels in this size range, wrapping offers a paint-like finish with a fraction of the downtime and cost.

Wrapping afloat is sometimes an option, which avoids expensive shipyard haul-outs, but it requires an experienced contractor who understands the complexities of large hulls. Colour-matching wraps are common here, either to refresh existing finishes or to mask tired paint until a full refit.

The trade-off? A scrape on a dark wrap over a white hull can expose the base colour — but with the right film and a little crew training, patch repairs can be quick and almost invisible.

Mega Yachts (60-100m +)

Wrapping hulls above 60m is still relatively rare, and over 100m rarer still, but the benefits scale with size. Costs saved versus painting are huge, and downtime can be drastically reduced.

At this level, projects demand serious planning: cherry pickers, harness work at height, and large teams working in sync. LuxWrap has delivered wraps on yachts over 130m — combining colour-matched vinyl with PPF to achieve finishes that protect as well as beautify.

Final Thoughts

Hull wrapping isn’t a one-size-fits-all service. The approach changes with vessel size, owner goals, and operational demands. For smaller yachts, it’s a flexible, cost-effective way to refresh appearance. For large yachts, it can be a practical alternative to paint — bridging the gap between surveys and refits, and keeping charter schedules on track.

The common thread? Choosing the right contractor. Smaller boats may be well served by local providers, but for large or high-value yachts, experience matters.

Done properly, hull wrapping is more than just a cosmetic fix — it’s a smart tool in the modern yacht care arsenal, and one LuxWrap continues to refine at every scale.

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