By signcraft
Posted on Friday, May 9th, 2025
In every issue, SignCraft gave a few sign makers an imaginary project. We asked them to do a sketch of the sign they might have produced, and to quote a price for the job. Most of the details were left to the designer’s imagination. The object was to see how different sign makers approach the same project. Here’s the scenario these sign makers were given:
A ski boat owner is ready to have his new boat lettered. He likes the look of a wrap and says he wants something that will be “a real eye catcher.” He provides you the name of the boat, then asks you what you’d suggest for the design.
This appeared in the March/April 2013 issue of SignCraft. While the prices have been adjusted for inflation as of 2025, they may not accurately reflect current pricing for such signage.
Design: $158
Print production: $263
Installation: $1261
Selling price: $1682
Andy Bordi
Bordi Designs, Merchantville, New Jersey
I don’t do many boats, but I would welcome the change of pace. I would approach this project as I do all of my projects. After a short discussion with the client, I would get to work on the design. Because this particular client is familiar with my work and has left the design up to me, it’s up to me to come up with something eye-catching per his request.
All of my design work is done on the computer, but often I’ll do a quick sketch on paper first to get the juices flowing. I would allow myself about two hours for this design, including any revisions requested by the client.
I price all of my jobs using both the SignCraft Sign Pricing Guide and my Estimate pricing software. I like the software because it takes the guesswork out of pricing—all of the materials I use are in there, and all my labor rates are set up. So, all I need to do is input the correct sizes and materials used, with an approximate time it will take for printing, finishing and installing the graphics.
After receiving artwork approval and a 50% deposit, I will start printing the graphics. I use only top-quality vinyl and laminate on my printing projects, unless it is for something short term. But when doing a boat, high-quality films and laminates are especially important. I want my work to last.
After the boat arrives at my shop, I will thoroughly clean it to remove any wax and install the vinyl. With the newer high-tech wrap vinyl and laminate that is available today, the installation usually goes smoothly. After installing, I post-heat the vinyl to be sure it has adhered well to the surface, do any final clean up, and call the customer to come pick up his new ride.
Rich Hailstone
Dr. Wraps, Canton, Ohio
When a potential customer visits our shop and is interested in a wrap, we begin by discussing the project and their budget. If we determine exactly what the design and coverage will be, we require a 50% deposit to start the project. If the customer is unsure about what they want, we begin by securing a minimum deposit of $650.
Next, we discuss the project in more detail, and take the pictures and measurements. If necessary, we ask them to fill out our creative brief. The design is then finalized, and a price agreed upon. Our pricing is primarily based on square footage and can range between $13 and $20 per sq. ft.
This boat wrap would take around eight hours to prep and install, with a final selling price of $2300.
Cory Agnew
Agnew Graphics, Signs and Promotions, Owosso, Michigan
Before starting on the design, we like to find out what the customer’s favorite colors are, and often ask them to show us photos of other boats they like. That helps us get a better idea of what direction to go with the design. Usually customers like the design, but we will always make adjustments to completely satisfy them. On this boat we would get between $1850 and $2375 for design, materials and installation. We use only 3M film and laminates, and we take great care to wrap the boat vertically with few or no seams. We also seal all lower edges.
