Aluminum fishing boats are popular for their light weight and durability. Many owners want to add color or graphics, and vinyl can be a good option. However, aluminum hulls need careful preparation, as their surface is different from fiberglass.
Painted or bare aluminum?#
Some aluminum boats are painted, while others are bare metal. Both can be wrapped, but the preparation differs:
- Painted aluminum: The paint must be sound and well bonded. Flaking or chalky paint should be repaired first.
- Bare aluminum: The surface needs thorough cleaning. Oxidation should be removed.
Your installer should assess the surface before quoting.
Watch for corrosion#
Corrosion on aluminum can appear as white powder, bubbling paint, or pitting. These need to be treated before wrapping. Wrapping over active corrosion can hide it while it continues. Have suspicious areas checked by a professional.
Rivets and seams#
Riveted aluminum boats have many raised heads and seams. Film can be applied over rivets, but it needs to be pressed carefully around each one. Welded hulls are smoother but may have weld seams. Both affect the final look.
Dents and dings#
Aluminum boats often have dents from rocks, docks, and trailers. Film follows the surface, so dents will show. Decide whether you're happy with that or want them repaired first.
Mixing metals and fasteners#
Aluminum reacts with some other metals when they touch in the presence of water. Stainless fasteners and fittings on aluminum boats are usually installed with isolating materials to reduce this. If hardware is removed for wrapping, it should go back with the same isolation in place. Ask your installer to note how each fitting was mounted before removing it, and have a marine professional advise if anything looks corroded underneath.
Welded vs riveted hulls#
Welded hulls are usually easier to wrap smoothly because the surface has fewer raised details. Riveted hulls take more time, as film must be worked around each rivet head without trapping air. That extra labor can affect the quote. Ask to see examples of riveted boats an installer has wrapped.
Care for wrapped aluminum#
- Rinse after use, especially in salt water
- Watch edges near rivets for lifting
- Look for signs of corrosion at film edges
- Keep the trailer bunks clean
Choosing a design#
Aluminum boats suit bold graphics and camo patterns. Our camo boat wraps guide and jon boat wrap guide show ideas for smaller aluminum boats.
Getting a quote#
Send photos of your hull, including close-ups of rivets and any damage. Our vinyl boat wraps page explains how surfaces are assessed.
