Consider Vinyl Wrapping Your Boat
See Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard About Vinyl Wrapping Instead of Painting
Boaters, if you’re thinking it’s about time to have your vessel repainted, you might want to consider an application that’s gaining in popularity: vinyl wrapping instead of painting, and we can arrange it for you here at Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard.
Boat owner Jeremy Downs did just that and now he wishes he had done it years ago. He brought in his Albin 31, Castaline, for some mid-life upgrades, which included addressing his aging blue gel coat. He said boat detailers in Tacoma as well as folks here at Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard both suggested vinyl wrapping — something he hadn’t even heard of — as an option rather than painting.
“I wish we had done it years ago.” – Boat owner Jeremy Downs on vinyl wrapping
“The blue gel coat had gotten pretty bad,” said Downs, principal scientist and environmental planner with Soundview Consultants in Gig Harbor. “We tried to buff it out, but the color was not coming back. Gig Harbor Marina and Age of Detail recommended the idea of a vinyl wrap as an alternative to a new paint job. We had never even heard of such an option, but after seeing the results, I wish we had done it years ago!”
Boatyard Manager Hartwell Champagne made the arrangements and had Prism Graphics out of Seattle do the vinyl wrapping. Castaline’s new application of deep blue vinyl is smooth, clean perfection extending down to her white boot stripe at the waterline.
“According to a number of sources, the expected life (of the wrap) is about 8-10 years with proper maintenance and protection,” said Downs, who has owned the boat since 2012. “Annual wax application, covered fenders, etc.”
Prism Graphics also designed, produced and installed Castaline’s name on an idea that Downs suggested.
“Marilyn (of Prism Graphics) designed the logo based upon my input,” explained the boat owner. “I asked for a script text that trailed off into a line and fly. She did great!”
The boatyard crew is taking care of many other upgrades while the 1996 Albin cruiser is on the hard.
“Work is extensive,” outlined Downs in an email. “New anti-foul bottom paint, modification of running gear, lots of engine rework, new electrical distribution, bow thruster, swim deck modification, and the fun stuff – full Garmin electronics update including reworked helm, touchscreen MFD’s, side scan sonar/ fish finder, auto pilot, AIS, VHF, sat comm, IP camera, etc.”
All of these upgrades will come in handy when Downs gets his boat back out on the water. He enjoys taking Castaline out for a variety of uses ranging from scientific research with his environmental consulting firm that specializes in wetlands to entertainment, fishing and “adventuring northward,” he says.
“We have used it in the past for a mix of uses,” says Downs. “We used to keep it in Sequim or Port Ludlow in the summer to run over to the San Juans, Victoria and Gulf Islands. We have taken it offshore and as far north as Nanaimo in the past and we are hoping to get as far as Desolation Sound/Campbell River this year.”
Just a bit more work to finish on the hard and Castaline will be ready for these “adventures northward.” Downs, a repeat customer at Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard, is grateful that his boat is in such good hands.
“Gig Harbor Marina’s staff are great,” he said. “Chris is incredibly knowledgeable and thorough; Mark is always a joy to work with; Hartwell and Jenn are very helpful and professional. Lance had great ideas on the refit, and many others deserve kudos!”
He first brought Castaline in several years ago after a common misadventure with barely submerged wood in Puget Sound waters.
“We brought her in about six years ago after finding one of the Sound’s infamous dead-heads!” he said. “They took excellent care of us then as well. Keep up the great work!”
Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard: “Keep up the great work!” – Customer Jeremy Downs
Check out our website and see how we can answer all your marine service and repair needs. Be sure to ask about vinyl wrapping for your own boat.
