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Boat Lettering & Decals
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Boat Lettering vs Boat Decals
Boat Lettering
- Pre-cut from a solid color vinyl material
- 39 colors available
- Individual letters
- Pre-masked and pre-spaced
- Uses: individual lettering & simple 1-3 color graphics
- Gradients, shadows, borders, slants, etc. not possible.
Boat Decals
- Printed full color onto adhesive vinyl
- No color limitations
- Can be cut to shape but no individual letters
- Protective backing with no transfer tape
- Uses: complex graphics
- Gradients, shadows, borders, slants, etc. possible.
Learn more about our lettering and decals below, get started using our online design tool or contact us today for free design services for using custom fonts and graphics!
Please note that we do not offer full or partial boat wraps nor any boat striping that runs the length of the boat.Boat Lettering
Pre-spaced and pre-masked for easy installation our custom boat lettering is perfect for boat names, hail ports, and registration numbers. Crafted from high-quality vinyl adhesive, our boat lettering is designed to withstand the elements while providing a vibrant color palette to decorate your boat with.
Boat lettering can also include simple graphics as part of your design. More complex graphics should be created with our custom boat decals detailed further below.
(Text effects such as gradients, shadows, borders, slants, etc. are not possible with boat lettering. For these effects please use our boat decals.)
Boat Lettering Templates
Installation
Because your boat lettering is both pre-spaced and pre-masked with transfer tape it can be installed within minutes.
First, make sure your boat is clean and free of wax and polish as well as out of the water before starting the installation. Further, do not install any lettering (or decals) on paint that is not cured. Lastly, air and boat surface temperatures that lead to greatest success when applying your lettering are between 60 and 90 F.
The first step to applying the lettering is to clean the surface of the boat (with boat or glass cleaner) where the application will be placed and then allowing it to dry. To apply the lettering, place it with both the protective backing and pre-masked transfer tape still attached to the lettering onto the boat. This can be done by using painters tape or masking tape to hold the lettering in place, typically along the top edge. You can now slowly remove the protective backing of the lettering so that the adhesive side of the lettering is exposed. As you slowly peel away that backing, apply pressure to the lettering to ensure it adheres properly (it’s best to use a squeegee to do so - start from the top and work toward the bottom). After the backing has been completely removed and the lettering is fully applied to the boat, slowly remove the pre-masked transfer tape, which sits on top of your lettering, to complete the installation. Our step by step video of how to install window lettering is the same installation process for boat lettering. This installation process is the very similar to our vinyl lettering installation, check out the video of how to install your boat lettering here.
Care
Boat lettering can be cleaned using water and a non-abrasive cloth.
Do not use strong cleaners or power washers to clean the lettering, this could damage or remove the lettering from the boat. Likewise, power buffers when applying wax or polish to the boat’s surface can also cause the boat lettering to come off of your boat. Due to the nature of boating and water activities, it is necessary to clean the lettering after each outing.
Boat Decals
Our durable boat decals are perfect for detailing your boat with custom designs and images. Made from a highly adhesive vinyl, boat decals are specifically designed for long-lasting use on boats and in any weather.
Boat decals can be cut to the shape of your design or desired graphic. Lettering and more complex images or designs can be done with our boat decals but the lettering will not be cut out individually like our boat lettering.
Lettering on a boat decal will also not be pre-masked but can be printed in any color and can include text effects that boat lettering does not allow for.
Boat Decal Templates
Installation
Before application, clean the area of the boat (with boat or glass cleaner) you will apply the decal to. You not only want to remove any dirt and grime from the surface but your boat should also be clean of any wax or polish in order to correctly install your graphics.
Before installation, you should also ensure that any paint is fully cured. Applying your decal to uncured paint can permanently damage your boat’s paint job. Lastly, air and boat surface temperatures that lead to greatest success when applying your decals are between 60 and 90 F.
To apply, remove the protective backing and position it on the boat. Before applying pressure to the decal, you can temporarily reposition the decal to make sure it is in the desired location. Use a squeegee to permanently adhere the decal to the boat; this will cause the adhesive residue to release, creating the permanent bond. Before doing so you will have a limited ability to reposition your decal. We recommend carefully placing the decal in the correct position when first installed so as to not have the need to reposition the decal before applying pressure and releasing the adhesive. Allow 24 hours for the decal to dry before taking your boat out on the water.
Care
Our boat decals are designed to withstand the harsh elements of boating and inclement weather conditions. Use soap and water to remove surface dirt from the decal on a regular basis. Using power washers for cleaning and power buffers for applying wax or polish may damage the boat decal.
How to Use Boat Lettering & Decals Templates
If you want to bring out your creative side and try making your own boat lettering and decals, we have free design templates for you. Our premade templates are beginner-friendly and fully customizable—no need for a professional background in graphic design!
To get started, choose your preferred template on the page. You can do this by typing it into the search bar or by simply clicking on the template options. Once you’ve selected a template, the browser will redirect you to our online design tool.
When you pick a design template, you have the freedom to customize the design the way you want. You can add text, change the font, upload a logo, or adjust the colors. You can also upload a ready-made design if you have one.
Don’t forget to double-check your design before printing. You can do this by clicking “View Proof.” If you’re ready to save your work as a draft, click “Save,” or choose “Save & Continue” if you want to proceed to checkout.
Additional Specs
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Boat Lettering
Boat Decals
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Thickness:
.002” (2-mil or 50 microns; about the thickness of half of a sheet of copy paper)
.015" (about the thickness of 4 sheets of copy paper)
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UV Resistance:
UV protectants in the material for 5-10 years of outdoor vibrancy
UV ink with 8-10 years of outdoor vibrancy
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Estimated Lifespan:
5+ years with proper installation and care
5+ years with proper installation and care
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Temperature Range:
-40F to 225F
-40F to 225F
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Installation Method:
Transfer Tape
Peel and Stick
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Print Method:
Cut, not printed, from vinyl sheet.
Digital. Four color process, eco-friendly, weather, fade and abrasion resistant UV ink
Frequently Asked Questions
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Product Specs
Are boat lettering and boat decals the same thing?
Are boat decals, boat graphics, and boat stickers the same product?
What are height requirements for boat lettering?
Where is the best place on a boat to display a registration number?
Can boat lettering and decals be submerged for long periods of time?
With boat lettering, will all of my individual letters/design elements be placed on the same sheet of transfer tape?
In most cases, the individual letters contained within your boat lettering will be appropriately spaced and placed on a single sheet of transfer tape, making installation quick and simple. However, if your boat lettering exceeds 48" (for colors black and white) or 24" (for all other colors) in both width and height, your lettering will be split and placed onto two sheets of transfer tape. You will also receive your boat lettering in multiple sheets if you are using three or more different colors. In this case, each separate color will be grouped together on its own sheet.
What is a hailing port? Do I need to identify it on my boat?
Are there any laws regarding boat lettering and decals?
Where would I find information on registering my boat?
Do I need to register my boat?
Do you provide registration or license stickers for boats?
What material is your boat lettering and boat decal made from?
Do you offer boat wraps?
Do you offer boat stripes or striping?
What is the lifespan of your boat lettering and boat stickers?
Will exposure to sun or the elements affect the boat lettering and decals?
Do you offer boat lettering and decals with a protective laminate?
How small or big can my boat lettering and decals be?
Boat lettering can be as small as 1 inch in height and as large as 23.5 inches in height. It’s important to note that registration numbers must be 3 inches in height to meet boating regulations. Boat decals range from 4 inches by 4 inches to 4 feet by 33 feet.
Can the boat decals and lettering be cut to shape? Individual letters?
If I print my decal in more than one color am I charged more?
How thick are boat lettering and decals?
Do I have to use one of your templates for my lettering or decals?
Are boat stickers and lettering visible in the dark? Do you offer reflective decals or lettering?
What should I do if there are adjustments to my graphics like cuts, spacing, sizing, and more? Who should I talk to?
If there are sudden changes in your order, we suggest contacting us immediately at 1-888-222-4929. We’ll try to make those changes as long as the call is placed within minutes of ordering. However, we can’t guarantee that changes can be made to orders that have been placed
If I'm ordering registration numbers, is it necessary that I order a quantity of two?
Yes, because registration numbers are required to be displayed on both sides of the boat. As such you would need to order a quantity of two.
What file types are accepted in your online design tool?
We accept the following file types:
- JPEG/JPG
- PNG
- AI
- EPS
How long will it take for my graphics to be shipped?
Your order can be shipped within one business day. To get an estimate of when you’ll receive your order, you can type your zip code into the “Estimate Shipping” box under “Additional Details” found in the product calculator.
Will my design arrive as one piece or several?
Boat lettering orders are usually placed on a single sheet of transfer tape. However, if the boat lettering exceeds 48” (for black and white) or 24” (for other colors), the lettering will be placed in two separate sheets of transfer tape. If there are three more colors, you’ll receive multiple sheets of transfer tape.
Which method of installation is the best?
We recommend the dry installation method for our boat lettering and decals. Installing our boat lettering uses the same process as our window lettering and vinyl lettering. Check out our step-by-step video on how to correctly install your order.
Can the boat lettering and decals be applied to other things besides my boat?
Yes. You can apply the lettering and decals on any surface as long as it is smooth and flat. Keep in mind that our lettering and decals are not made for inflatable boats.