How Well Does Vinyl Wrap Work on Pontoon Aluminum Panels & Fencing?

I was recently asked how well a vinyl wrap would work on the aluminum panels seen on some pontoon boats. The question came from a guy who has a Sun Tracker Bass Buggy and he is looking to re-do the siding vinyl as it has started to peel. Not a good look!

What he is looking to do is get a more modern look with pontoon boat vinyl decals over it at a later date.

The short answer is; using a vinyl wrap on your pontoon boat will look and work great. You can see some examples where other pontooners have already done it themselves if you continue to scroll on down.

Handy Hint: To see 18 stunning examples of pontoon wraps and graphics, click to view my boat wrap gallery.

In this example below, the owner actually stuck the vinyl decals and wrap on themselves. The vinyl wrap was bought from a company called US Cutter, but instead you could get in touch with local companies that print vinyl wraps for race cars.

Example vinyl wrapping from the 619decals company.

What Type of Vinyl Wrap Works Best for Pontoons?

So what type of vinyl should you buy for wrapping the sides of your pontoon boat?

It needs to be something that won’t peel off in a month, is waterproof, and won’t scratch and peel with the type of typical activity you put your pontoon through.

Also make sure that whoever does it uses a good UV resistant vinyl, as otherwise you will get fading and deterioration if you operate your boat regularly in the sun. With a UV coating vinyl applied on top of the wrap it will last 10 years or more without fading.

In terms of how much it will cost and the prices, it will vary wildly depending on the design, length, and even where you live if you decide to go with a local supplier.

Different Types of Vinyl Wrap Materials for Pontoon Boats

Vinyl wrap can give your pontoon boat a fresh new look. It’s easy to maintain (just soap and water for washing), helps protect your hull, and is less expensive than marine paint. 

Design options are endless. Choose from nearly any color, add your custom design features, and have it printed on your choice of vinyl wrap material. 

However, not all vinyl wraps are the same. When choosing vinyl wrap material for your pontoon boat, you’ll need to consider durability, resistance to fading, ease of application, chalking, and price. 

Below are examples of different types of vinyl wrap materials you can use for your pontoon boat and their benefits/disadvantages.:

Cast Vinyl: Cast vinyl wraps are popular for pontoon boats because of their durability, flexibility, and conformability. 

Cast vinyl is made by casting the material onto a casting sheet, then heated through a series of ovens. It can stretch easily and conform to complex curves and shapes. 

Cast vinyl wraps are highly resistant to fading, chalking, and shrinkage, making them an excellent choice for long-term use on pontoon boats. 

However, because of their premium qualities, they come at a premium price. Expect to pay more for cast vinyl wrap. 

Calendered Vinyl: Calendered vinyl is made by rolling the vinyl through a series of calenders, which results in a thicker, less flexible film. 

Calendered vinyl wraps are less resistant to fading, shrinkage, and chalkage. They are also more challenging to apply to your pontoon boat due to their reduced conformability. 

Though less expensive than cast vinyl, calenedered vinyl has a shorter lifespan. It’s great for when you’re on a budget, but not made for long-term use. 

Specialty Vinyl: Specialty vinyl wraps provide unique visual effects and finishes. They are available in a variety of metallic, reflective, and textured vinyl. 

Specialty vinyl can be used to add a little extra something to your design element. However, their durability and resistance to fading and chalking vary greatly depending on which material you choose. 

If you go with specialty vinyl, always research the properties of their material before choosing one for your pontoon boat. 

Can Vinyl Wrap Be Applied to Textured Fencing?

You can quite happily wrap your pontoon fencing in vinyl wrap, even if it is textured. You will have to make sure that the design is printed on wrap vinyl which has a textured backing to allow you to squeegee and press out the air through the vinyl.

This type of vinyl is amazing to work with. You can ball it up and pull it apart, then heat it with a heat gun and pop it back to shape.

I would suggest measuring each panel with a fabric tape measure so you get the curves and draw the panels on a sheet of paper. That will save you time and money for your lay out to be done by a sign designer. Very easy to install also… and will last for many years.

How to Remove Vinyl Wrapping from a Pontoon Boat?

If you are going to get new vinyl wrap for your pontoon boat, then you must (obviously) remove the old graphics first.

I would suggest a 3M eraser wheel that you then attach to a drill. It can be purchased on Amazon, just click that link I just left in the last sentence.

Whatever you do, never use a sander. The eraser wheel is fast and easy. It’s what car body workers use to remove stripes and graphics from cars. Buy one and you will thank me I promise you.

For a more comprehensive guide on how to remove vinyl from a pontoon boat, quickly, efficiently, and cleanly, please read this guide.

Vinyl wrap header image: copyright printcrazee.com