A tender is often the first thing guests see, so it should look like it belongs to the yacht. Matching a tender to its mother ship is tricky enough on day one. Keeping it matched in Miami's sun is the bigger challenge, especially if you run more than one.
Why tenders fade differently#
Tenders do not all get the same sun exposure. A garage-stored tender may stay out of the light for long stretches, whereas one towed behind or kept on deck gets constant exposure. Over time, two tenders wrapped on the same day can start to look different. The yacht's paint will also change as it ages, so the target color itself may shift.
Matching a color to the yacht#
An exact match is often more difficult than owners expect. Solid film comes in fixed colors, and printing can get closer to a target, although printed colors may fade differently from solid film. To get the best match:
- Compare samples against the actual yacht, outdoors in natural light
- View them at different times of day
- Allow for a difference between gloss, satin, and paint
- Sign off on a sample before ordering a full run
- Record the film and print details for future use
Reducing uneven fade#
- Store tenders covered or out of direct sun whenever you can
- Use a breathable, non-abrasive cover and keep it clean
- Rotate use if you run several identical tenders
- Rinse off salt, because residue can dull the surface
- Avoid harsh cleaners and polishes that are not approved for your film
Note that surfaces facing upward usually age faster than vertical panels, so a deck or console top could fade first.
Planning replacements across a fleet#
Decide in advance how you'll handle partial repairs. A new panel may stand out next to older, faded film. Some fleets order spare material from the same batch, though film stored for a long time may not behave like fresh stock, so check how it should be stored and for how long. Other crews plan to rewrap all tenders together on a set schedule, keeping the whole set consistent. Build this into your refit calendar, with the 5–7 year planning range from our lifespan guide as a starting point.
Working around a yacht's schedule#
Tenders are usually easier to work on than the yacht itself. They can often be trailered or lifted out and wrapped while the yacht is in port. If you're already planning a refit or shipyard period, that may be the perfect time, because the crew has fewer competing demands. Give your installer the yacht's schedule, and agree when each tender can be off the boat.
Frequently asked questions#
Can you match a yacht's custom paint color?#
We can get close with film or print, but an exact match cannot always be promised. A physical sample check is the best way to decide.
Should all tenders be wrapped at the same time?#
It is the easiest way to keep them looking alike, because all the film starts off the same age.
Do you work on yacht tenders in Miami?#
Yes. Learn more on our Miami boat wraps page and our superyacht wrapping service.
