A style guide is a simple document that explains how your boats should look. It helps installers, staff, and designers keep every vessel consistent, even years later or when different people do the work. For any business with more than one boat, it's worth creating.
What to include#
A useful fleet style guide covers:
- Logo files and approved versions
- Brand colors with exact codes
- Approved film products and finishes
- Fonts for names and numbers
- Placement rules for logos, numbers, and text
- Templates for each boat type
Colors#
List exact color codes for print and the specific films used for solid colors. Include notes on how to check new prints against existing boats.
Logo placement#
Describe where logos go on each boat type. Include measurements or proportions so installers can scale them correctly.
Numbers and text#
Specify fonts, sizes, and placement for fleet numbers, names, and contact details. Our fleet numbering guide explains how to plan numbers.
Required markings#
Note where required markings go and any rules that apply. Make sure decorative graphics don't interfere with them.
Care instructions#
Include approved cleaning products and maintenance routines for crews.
Photos of approved boats#
Photos of a correctly finished boat make the guide easier to follow. Include several angles.
Keeping it updated#
When you change products, add boat types, or update branding, update the guide. Keep a dated version history.
Who uses the style guide#
A style guide is only useful if people can find and follow it. Share it with every installer, designer, and staff member involved with your boats. When you get a quote from a new installer, send the guide first, so their proposal matches your standards. When staff report damage, they can check the guide to describe exactly which graphic needs replacing.
Approvals#
Note in the guide who must approve new graphics or changes. Clear approval rules stop well-meaning staff from ordering off-brand replacements in a hurry.
Frequently asked questions#
Do small fleets need a style guide?#
Even two or three boats benefit from one, especially when adding new boats later.
Who should create it?#
Your designer or wrap provider can help. Our custom boat wraps service can create fleet design guides.
Where should it be stored?#
Keep digital and printed copies where managers and installers can access them. See our fleet consistency guide.
