Editor’s Note: This article is the second and final one in a series about marine protection film.

There may be a wide range of marine applications for protection film, but experts say PPF dealers will likely find the installation process familiar. Last week, WINDOW FILM magazine delved into how marine protection film (MPF) is used; this week, we’re taking a look at how it’s applied.

Here’s a Tip

XPEL marine and RV director Ryan Tounsley explains that MPF requires similar stretching, cutting and slip solution techniques to PPF, meaning the XPEL dealers he works with don’t have to learn a whole new skillset for MPF.

Tounsley feels the biggest difference is the film’s size. He says the smallest piece of film an installer might use when doing the entire side of a boat is about three feet by 30 feet.

While many installation techniques are the same, Ryan Tounsley says marine protection film is frequently larger than what automotive installers are used to. Image used with permission from XPEL.

“MPF is a bit of a different animal because you have this gigantic piece of film to work with. [You also] don’t want any seams, because seams leave an opportunity for water to get in, so dealers have to [learn how] to do things without seams,” he says.

Chris Brooks, vice president of Kauff’s Tint & Wraps in Palm Beach County, Florida, says installers must remember that there is “no such thing as a plotted cut for boats,” so they must be prepared to hand-cut the film. Brooks has installed MPF on dozens of boats a year for decades.

“It’s best to avoid using a knife, though,” he says. These boats are expensive, so you don’t want to risk cutting or scratching them. I use knifeless tape or a wire instead.”

Keep in Mind…

While MPF might follow the same general installation process as PPF, Eastman segment marketing manager Dan Birkenmeier says it requires different logistics. While some small marine vessels can be towed to a tint shop, installations on larger boats must be done at the marina.

“Dealers looking to install marine film are going to have to think about this a little differently than an automotive job,” he says. “They have to be willing to go to the marina, and [recognize that] the job could take a whole day depending on the size of the boat.”

Brooks says installers must also be more mindful of their surroundings than they might be used to when working on a boat rather than a car.

Installers should be extra careful when cutting film on expensive boats, Chris Brooks says. Image used with permission from Eastman.

“You have to be cautious, especially on yachts or other expensive boats,” he says. “Always ask questions before trying to move anything out of the way. Some of the furniture is bolted down to keep it from moving while at sea.”

Brooks typically works with a boat’s engineer or one of the mates to figure out how and where to move anything that’s in the way of the installation.

Waterlines and Warranties

MPF typically is applied above the waterline, says Birkenmeier, but some customers ask for it to be applied across the entire hull.

“If that happens, dealers should explain the risks to the customer and point out that the product would be more useful above the waterline anyway,” he says. “[If the customer insists], it’s best to install film in the off-season, when the boat is out of the water.”

Installing film below the waterline could void the warranty, Birkenmeier says. LLumar’s MPF warranty is good for three years and covers cracking, bubbling and yellowing. The warranty specifies that the product is meant for use “only on fully cured original equipment manufacturer vessel painted surfaces above the waterline,” and that any other application isn’t covered.

According to LLumar’s warranty, marine protection film should be installed above the waterline. Image provided by Chris Brooks.

Tounsley says XPEL’s MPF isn’t designed to go below the waterline either, and its warranty also lasts three years.

“That’s because of the amount of wear-and-tear MPF takes [compared to PPF],” he says. “A Porsche or Audi isn’t being hit by salt and water all day long.”

Marine tint also has a shorter warranty, according to Tounsley. While automotive tint typically has a lifetime guarantee, XPEL’s warranty for marine tint ends after 10 years.