Marine wraps in Chicago start at $800 for a jet ski, $2,500 for a center console, and $8,500 for a 28-foot yacht. CFW has wrapped 200+ vessels on Lake Michigan since 2001 using Avery Dennison and 3M cast vinyls rated for marine exposure. Free pickup from every Chicago harbor. 2-year workmanship warranty. Text (312) 597-1286 for same-day estimate.
Marine Wrap Services by Vessel Type
Why Marine Wraps Fail (and How Ours Don't)
Walk any Chicago harbor in October and you'll see wraps peeling off transoms, lifting at rub rails, and bubbling along chine edges. The cause is almost always one of three things: cheap calendered vinyl instead of cast, no marine-grade laminate, or an installer who wraps cars and "also does boats."
CFW runs a simple rule: cast vinyl only, laminated, installed by a technician with 100+ boat wraps in their portfolio. That's Avery Dennison MPI 1105 or 3M IJ180-CV3, topped with 3M 8519 or Avery DOL-1000 gloss overlaminate, applied by someone who understands hull geometry, through-hulls, and cleat cutouts.
Result: wraps that hold through Chicago winters in shrink-wrap storage, through Lake Michigan's UV from May to October, and through 5–7 seasons of actual use. Not 18 months.
Chicago Harbors We Serve
Free pickup from every Chicago Park District harbor plus private marinas from Waukegan to Michigan City:
Seasonal Scheduling
Spring rush (April–May): Book 3+ weeks out. Every harbor owner wants their boat wrapped before Memorial Day. We schedule around launch dates and coordinate with marina yard crews.
Peak season (June–August): 1–2 week turnaround depending on vessel size. We can pull your boat off the water for 3–5 days, wrap in our Portage Park facility, and return it ready to launch.
Off-season (November–March): Best pricing. Your boat's already out of the water, already cleaned. Book winter installs for 15% off. Spring launch ready.
Marine Wrap Portfolio
Real CFW marine work — Patron, 1800 Tequila, Cutwater, and Fiesta Vee 320 projects from Chicago-area harbors. Every vessel type, every hull size, every finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a marine wrap cost in Chicago?
Marine wrap pricing depends on vessel type and size. Jet skis start at $800. Center-console boats $2,500–$5,500. Pontoon boats $3,500–$8,000. Yachts (28'+) $8,500–$30,000. Fishing boats $2,500–$6,500. All pricing includes Avery Dennison or 3M cast vinyl, marine-grade laminate, professional installation, and 2-year warranty.
Will a wrap survive Lake Michigan conditions?
Yes — when installed correctly. CFW uses only cast vinyl (Avery MPI 1105, 3M IJ180-CV3) rated 5–7 years outdoor, topped with 3M or Avery gloss laminate for UV and chemical resistance. We've had wraps survive 6+ Chicago seasons including winter shrink-wrap storage, Lake Michigan UV, and freshwater conditions with zero lift or peel.
Can you pick up my boat from my harbor?
Yes. Free pickup and delivery from every Chicago Park District harbor (Belmont, Montrose, Monroe, Burnham, 31st Street, Jackson Park, 59th Street, etc.) plus private marinas from Waukegan to Hammond, Indiana. We coordinate with your marina's yard crew for lift-out and re-splash.
What's the turnaround on a boat wrap?
Depends on size. Jet skis: 2–3 days. Center-console boats and smaller fishing boats: 5–7 days. Pontoons: 7–10 days. Mid-size yachts (28–35'): 10–14 days. Large yachts (40'+): 14–21 days. Add 5 business days in spring rush (April–May).
How long does a marine wrap last?
Properly installed cast vinyl wraps with marine laminate last 5–7 years on Lake Michigan boats. That assumes off-season indoor or shrink-wrap storage and reasonable care. Calendered vinyl (what cheap shops use) fails in 12–18 months. Always ask for the vinyl brand and product number in writing.
Do you do custom designs, or only solid color changes?
Both. We design everything from single-color hull transformations to full-custom graphics with brand integration, sponsor logos, and multi-color fade effects. Our design team works from your concept or builds from scratch. Design is included in the wrap price — no separate design fee for standard projects.
Can I remove the wrap later without damaging the gelcoat?
Yes. Cast vinyl removes cleanly within its rated lifespan. We heat-peel and rinse — no residue, no gelcoat damage. If a wrap has been on past its rated life (8+ years), removal takes longer and may require solvent work. Original gelcoat stays protected underneath the wrap the entire time.
Ready to Get Your Boat Wrapped?
Text or call (312) 597-1286 for a same-day estimate. Free pickup from Chicago harbors. Design included. 2-year warranty.