Boat name painting or decal

[WolfgangSeaLife]

My boat name is painted with many curved letters. It needs repainting which could take days. I have the digital file. Does anybody know a good lasting decal?
Or ordering a template instead and re-paint the logo?
Thank you
Wolfgang

[Ziggy]

I have used the decals marketed by BOATUS and then West Marine (I forget the names of the companies.) In both cases, the name lasted many years. I'm pretty sure paint would not last as long.

Unless you know a starving artist in need of help, I don't see any reason to go with painted name.

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by WolfgangSeaLife

My boat name is painted with many curved letters. It needs repainting which could take days. I have the digital file. Does anybody know a good lasting decal?
Or ordering a template instead and re-paint the logo?
Thank you
Wolfgang

Take a look at (click on) Auto Trim Design. The company does excellent, long lasting, graphics and striping and there are several outlets in the New Jersey area. We've been very happy with their work.

FWIW...

[a64pilot]

Good vinyl can last years, bad vinyl will bleach out in a few months, make sure you get a vinyl that is UV resistant, any good sign company, auto wrap company etc. will know the difference.
Resist the temptation to save a few bucks, buy the good stuff

[krafthaus]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Good vinyl can last years, bad vinyl will bleach out in a few months, make sure you get a vinyl that is UV resistant, any good sign company, auto wrap company etc. will know the difference.
Resist the temptation to save a few bucks, buy the good stuff

Agreed, go to a reputable graphic design company that does this sort of work and they will help you out. If you have the design already that will save you the artist's fees.

[oldragbaggers]

We have been getting all of our boat name decals from Fast Signs or Signs in One Day for years. You just need to tell them it's for a boat and that you need the outdoor grade UV resistant vinyl. We have never had any problems with any of the names we have put on. We put the name on our Bristol using a Fast Signs decal back in 1999 and it still looks good according to the latest owner.

[ricktara]

i did the decal from Boat US last year and it is perfect. was easy to apply as well

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by oldragbaggers

We have been getting all of our boat name decals from Fast Signs or Signs in One Day for years. You just need to tell them it's for a boat and that you need the outdoor grade UV resistant vinyl. We have never had any problems with any of the names we have put on. We put the name on our Bristol using a Fast Signs decal back in 1999 and it still looks good according to the latest owner.

I've had fast signs wrap a couple of aircraft, that came out well.

[lionspaw]

Go to a commercial signs store (e.g. Signs Now) and they can do a lasting decal cheap. I have,done three that way and applied them myself for next to nothing.

[zedpassway]

https://www.boatus.com/boatgraphics/

great choices.

[apacit]

I bought my boat a couple years ago and decided to rename. The previous owner had used paint in one area and decals in another. The paint was very difficult to change. The decals peeled of with a little coaxing.

I went back with reflective decals. I know they are not that popular, and they cost more, but anything to add visibility is a good thing to me. It also helps to find your boat after a night out!

[jkindredpdx]

Originally Posted by zedpassway

https://www.boatus.com/boatgraphics/

great choices.

+1 (make the home port block letters and USCG defined size)

[Cheechako]

Vinyl decal the only way to go.

[model 10]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I've had fast signs wrap a couple of aircraft, that came out well.

That stuff holds up to ag chemicals? Wow.

[1950]

I was a sign painter in the 60s thru 80s. Hand lettering will last as long as vinyl. Specify 3M vinyl or oneshot lettering enamel and you will get maximum life for your signage. USCG requires 4" high letters.