The SignZoo Interview
November 2006 | KC.COM
by the KC.com Staff
KC.com: How long has Sign Zoo been into wrapping boats? How long has this technology as a whole been around?
Larry Cavalluzzi: We've been doing this for 5 years. I believe that we were the first to wrap a Kingfish Boat back in 2001. Though the technology of "wrapping" has been around for fifteen years. The primary application for "wrapping" was for commercial fleets. It was not until 3 years ago that we introduced the product Marine Wrap. We use pretty much the same technology, however there are some modifications in the process to ensure that the wraps donąt blow off at 60 + mph.
What is the process of putting a wrap on a boat? If someone wants to get their boat wrapped do they need to know exactly what they want or how does that work? How long does the whole process take?
The application of the wrap takes approximately 8 - 10 man hours. We start by creating a template of the boat. This is usually produced from digital pictures and measurements that are provided from our customer. Once we have this, it is a blank canvas for our designers to go to work. If the boat we wrap is sponsored, we usually work with the sponsor to create the design. If it is a private team, we will usually work with the owner of the boat to turn his ideas into reality. Often times we help anglers find sponsors by creating a design for them to take to potential sponsors.
What is the price range for a Sign Zoo wrap?
The cost of marine wraps range from about $3,000 - $7,500. This varies based on the size of the boat, amount of design time and whether or not we are required to travel to install the wrap.
What is the wrap made of?
A wrap is made of 3M Vinyl sheeting that is finished with a protective overlaminate. For added durability we finish all of our wraps with a specially formulated film by 3M that seals the edges of the graphic. This prevents the vinyl from absorbing water while boat is docked overnight.
Can someone take the wrap off if they sell the boat or for any other reason?
Yes the wrap can be removed. It takes approximately 1 hour to remove and another 30 minutes to clean the adhesive primer from the chime level of the boat. The boat looks brand new when wrap is removed because it protects the hull from the elements.
Does Sign Zoo have any kind of warranty program if someone bumps the hull and scrathes a wrap?
We provide a Marine Wrap repair kit with every wrap that we sell. We have a one year warranty against general failure. When accidents occur, we can usually print the damaged area of the wrap and send it to our client to install.
Why is Sign Zoo a step above all others in the marine graphics industry?
Our designs are sure to Turn Some Heads, just like our motto says. We also have superior installation techniques. This is where the 5 years of experience helps the most. It can look as pretty as can be, however if it blows of, it's not going to be pretty. When it comes to printing technology, we have the latest printing technology, which gives the best color output available.
We would also like to thank Alan Woolford. He's a great Marine artist, his fish that we use in wraps almost come to life.
Do you do many wraps for anglers that like the look of a wrap, but don't have a big sponsors just quite yet?
Yes we do. I would say it is about 50/50 when it comes to this. People take pride in putting a wrap on their boat. It makes you a one of a kind instantly. Everyone wants their boat to look better than the next guy's (or gal's). Plus it is a fraction of the cost of a paint job.
Why do you think boat wraps are becoming such a hit on the king mackerel tournament trails?
SPONSORS, SPONSORS, SPONSORS. More and more sponsors are seeing this as a great way of marketing, in this case the angler also gets paid for fishing. As time goes by, I would imagine that the majority of wraps we do will turn more towards the sponsor end. Any plain white boat will be an advertising opportunity. Some of these boats travel in excess of 100 thousand miles per year on a trailer It is like having a billboard that travels across the nation, that's great exposure for any advertiser.
This may be a little controversial, but which is your personal favorite wrap kingfish boat wrap thus far?
I will play this one safe and say "Team Signzoo".