Can You Vinyl Wrap a Jet Ski? [Yes! Here’s How]
Can you vinyl wrap a jet ski? We get this question often, and the answer is: yes! Like cars or boats, jet skis can also be wrapped in vinyl as an alternative to a new paint job. But contrary to popular belief, a high-quality jet ski vinyl wrap is not cheap, as the prices range from $300 up to $1,500!
If you want to find out more about the pros and cons of these wraps, along with their installation, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know under one roof!
What is a Vinyl Wrap on a Jet Ski?
When it comes to customizing your jet ski, one of the most important aspects is its appearance. Besides simple decals and graphic kits, vinyl wraps are commonly used as an alternative to a regular paint job.If you don’t want to bother with repainting or polishing your jet ski, vinyl wrap kits are for you.
A jet ski vinyl wrap, as its name suggests, is a thin vinyl material that is applied to the plastic/fiberglass surface with a special technique. A full exterior jet ski wrap covers the hull as well as the entire top deck. In contrast, a partial or “half” jet ski vinyl wrap kit usually covers just the top deck or just certain parts like the front lid, side covers, or mirrors.
These kits come in a large variety of colors and graphic designs.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and take a closer look at the pros and cons of jet ski vinyl wraps!
Pros and Cons of a Vinyl Wrap on a Jet Ski
Pros of Jet Ski Wraps
- Greater design and color options
- More customizable
- Cheaper than custom painting
- Requires less preparation than painting
- Easy to install and replace
- Easy to clean and maintain (no waxing needed)
- Protects the original paint
- Environmentally friendly (recyclable)
Besides stock kits, you can also find companies that offer custom vinyl wrap printing. A professional service can design, print, and apply the wrap on your ski in one place.
What’s more, the lesser-known advantage of a jet ski vinyl wrap is that it protects the original paint job of the ski from the sun and scratches.
Cons of Jet Ski Wraps
- Professional installation is pricey
- A vinyl jet ski wrap’s life expectancy is generally 3-7 years
- They tear easily – prone to denting and scratching when docking or trailering
How Long Does a Vinyl Wrap Last on a Jet Ski?
Generally speaking, a jet ski vinyl wrap tends to last about 3-7 years. The wrap’s lifespan depends on many factors, including the installation, the quality of the material, maintenance, and care.Unfortunately, jet ski wraps are less durable than regular paint jobs. The sun and saltwater can damage the wrap, but it’s also prone to denting and scratching when trailering and docking.
Because of this, wrapping your jet ski is not recommended if you store your jet ski outside. Jet skis stored on floating docks and PWC lifts are completely exposed to the elements, so the wrap on these machines would fade and peel off much sooner.
Trailering and beaching may also cause scratches and damage to the wrap on the hull’s bottom over time.
Finally, wrapping the hull of rental jet skis is also not a good idea as they typically get a lot of abuse.
How Much Does It Cost to Vinyl Wrap a Jet Ski?
Generally speaking, the prices of jet ski vinyl wrap kits range from $300 up to $1,500. The costs strongly depend on the quality of the material and the size/complexity of the jet ski. In most cases, wrapping a jet ski is proportionately more expensive than a boat due to the more complex design of jet skis.How Much Does It Cost to Wrap a Stand-Up Jet Ski?
Stand-up jet ski vinyl wrap kits cost about $300-$600, typically not including labor. But thanks to a simpler top deck and smaller dimensions, wrapping a stand-up jet ski is always cheaper than their sit-down counterparts.
How Much does it Cost to Wrap a Sea-Doo or a Sit-Down Jet Ski?
As a rule of thumb, sit-down jet ski and Sea-Doo wrap kits cost about $400-$1,500 without labor. The labor costs vary depending on many factors, including the size and the complexity of the ski and the location.
The cheapest sit-down jet ski wrap kits are available for the small Rec-Lite and tiny vintage skis; these typically cost about $400-$800. In contrast, the wrap kits of “full-sized” Sea-Doos and sit-down jet skis can reach a whopping $1,000-$1,500.
How do You Vinyl Wrap a Jet Ski?
General wisdom says that if you want to achieve the best results, best practice is to hire a professional for the job. Wrapping a jet ski is not rocket science, but it requires some tools and skills, as well as a lot of patience.Installing the vinyl is not as easy as it seems. Making it watertight and avoiding any bulges and bubbles can be tricky. A professional installer can ensure a seamless fit and a long-lasting result.
DIY jet ski wraps don’t usually last too long, and an improper installation can damage the wrap or even the paint job of the jet ski.
Another reason why you should hire a professional is the warranty. High-quality jet ski vinyl wraps are usually made by 3M, and installing these wraps by yourself voids the warranty.
If you are determined to wrap your jet ski by yourself, here are some tips you may find useful:As a rule of thumb, there are two different kits on the market, the cheaper “graphic kits,” which stick to the surface of the ski. To install these kits, all you need to do is remove the old decals, clean and prepare the surface, and apply the new decals on the ski based on the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you want to learn more about this process, you will find this step-by-step guide useful.In addition, here’s a video tutorial on how to install graphic kits on a jet ski:
In contrast, installing the more durable jet ski vinyl wrap is more difficult, as the process typically requires you to heat the vinyl where it’s been stretched. This trick helps the material conform into the recesses and grooves. However, the exact installation process may vary from one kit to the next, so make sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s installation guide!If you want to dig into the details, here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to vinyl wrap a jet ski:
Conclusion – Can You Vinyl Wrap a Jet Ski?
Just like cars and boats, jet skis can also be vinyl wrapped. Compared to regular marine painting, a PWC vinyl wrap offers more color and design options, and it protects the original paint job of the jet ski.Also, it’s more affordable, easier to install and maintain, and it’s more environmentally friendly.
Drawbacks?
To get the best result, best practice is to hire a professional to wrap your ski. Unfortunately, professional marine wrap services have high labor costs, and finding one in your area can also be a challenge.
Finally, don’t forget that the life expectancy of PWC vinyl wraps is generally 3-7 years, depending on care and maintenance. If you store your jet ski outside, the UV rays and the elements can ruin the wrap on your ski faster than you want.
Therefore, storing a vinyl-wrapped jet ski outside, in the long run, is never a good idea!