Boat Lettering Pricing: How to Price Marine Vinyl Graphics
How to price boat lettering: marine vinyl, letter height, design, install and removal, with three worked examples.
In this guide
Boat names and registration numbers need marine grade vinyl that handles sun and water. Install often happens at the dock. This guide shows how to price boat lettering jobs.
- Price = marine vinyl + cutting and weeding + design + install + overhead, then profit.
- A registration number set costs about $31.36 and sells for about $43.
- Use marine grade cast vinyl.
- Removal of old lettering is extra.
Why marine work needs higher prices
Marine grade vinyl costs more.
Dock installs add travel and time.
The steps
1. Find letter height and length
Registration numbers have size rules. Check your state.
2. Cost vinyl
Marine grade cast.
3. Add design and cutting
Layout, cut and weed.
4. Add install
At the shop or dock.
5. Add overhead and profit
Use 12% overhead and 30% profit.
Worked example: three boat jobs
$40 an hour including install, 12% overhead, 30% profit and 3% card fees.
| Registration numbers (pair) | Boat name (one side) | Boat name both sides with port | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine vinyl and tape | $8.00 | $15.00 | $35.00 |
| Labor at $40.00/hr | 0.5 hr = $20.00 | 1 hr = $40.00 | 2 hr = $80.00 |
| Overhead (12%) | $3.36 | $6.60 | $13.80 |
| Cost to make | $31.36 | $61.60 | $128.80 |
| Plus 30% profit | $40.77 | $80.08 | $167.44 |
| Cover 3% selling fees (divide by 0.97) | $42.03 | $82.56 | $172.62 |
| Suggested price | $43 | $83 | $173 |
Dock installs may add travel. Removal of old lettering is extra.
Pricing mistakes to avoid
- Indoor vinyl. Use marine grade cast vinyl.
- Wrong number size. Check your state rules.
- No removal fee. Old lettering takes time to remove.
- No travel fee. Charge for dock visits.
Boat lettering checklist
- Letter size.
- Marine vinyl.
- Design and cutting.
- Install.
- Overhead and profit.
- Removal and travel.
Price vinyl decals
Type your vinyl, size and time into the peach cells. The calculator shows cost and price.
Get the Vinyl Decal Pricing CalculatorCalculators that help
- Install: Price installation. Use the Decal Installation Pricing Calculator – Labor, Surface Prep, Removal & Travel.
- Vinyl type: Compare vinyl types. Use the Vinyl Type Cost Comparison & Specialty Upcharge Calculator – Glitter, Holographic, Printable & HTV.
- Weeding: Track weeding time. Use the Vinyl Weeding Time & Labor Calculator – Complexity Levels, Labor per Design & Order Hours.
- Decal quotes: Quote decal jobs. Use the Custom Decal Order Quote Calculator – Design Fee, Proofs, Rush Fee, Deposit & Balance.
Common questions
How much should I charge for boat lettering?
It depends on size and install. In this guide a boat name on one side prices at about $83.
What vinyl is best for boats?
Marine grade cast vinyl.
How big should registration numbers be?
Check your state rules. Many require at least 3 in tall block letters.
Should I charge for removal?
Yes.
Can customers install it?
Yes, offer DIY kits at a lower price.
Should I charge travel?
Yes, for dock installs.
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