Meet Your Gelcoat’s New Best Friend

When it comes to making our boats look great, we spare no effort. We wash, we wax, we shine, we ceramic coat, and we … film? Yes, now we can film, too. Florida-based Yacht Armor says its marine protection film will change the ways we make out boats gleam.

According to Yacht Armor, when professionally applied, the film protects gelcoat and paint from UV damage, is self-healing from minor surface damage, and keeps your boat looking fresh and clean. In fact, the company claims it eliminates the regular upkeep other finishes require for as long as up to seven years – and it guarantees that for three years. After application, a simple wash with soft terry or microfiber cloths refreshes the shine. An occasional dose of Ultra Clean Sio2 Soap spray helps maintain the film’s hydrophobic characteristics.

Here’s the amazing manufacturer’s claim: Light scratches in the 7- to 13-millimeter-thick film’s surface self-heal in 30 minutes or less at room temperature. Yacht Armor film can be used on hullsides, outboards, and even as a screen protector for electronics (self-installation kits are available for Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno, and Simrad units).

The product may be a new, but Yacht Armor already has an impressive network of approved installers established, with the East and Gulf coasts blanketed and a presence in the Great Lakes and Pacific Northwest regions. Pricing is about $25 per square foot, variable by boat depending on application location, product selection, and installation complexity (specific pricing may vary by installer and the unique needs of your boat). Screen protector kits, which can be installed DIY, sell direct for $75 to $150 | getyachtarmor.com