It's all in the name - help with finding a good vinyl

bshillam

Good morning C-brats. I sit here in at my desk, the sun is shinning, warming my backside and I begin to daydream about the next outing this Sunday.
Anyhow, on topic....We've choosen a name and I am searching the net, found several sites that allow for you to customize a vinyl sticker. My questions are,
Which sites have you used to order your vinyl and been happy with?
What size letters did you order for your name and port of call?
Before placing an order I wanted a personal referal, I don't want to have to take them off once on. My Heaven needs to know her name. Smile

Thanks much!

snal · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 2:26 pm Post subject:

Kinkos...good, cheap, and fast. I've had them do several items for me, all have held up very well.

bjidzik · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 2:34 pm Post subject:

We ordered our thru www.BoatUS.com. They give good discounts for BoatUS and Coast Guard Auxiliary members.

Instructions for dry/wet installation were provided. 5" lettering works well on a 16' Cruiser. It took us less than 15 minutes to put them on.

flapbreaker · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 2:40 pm Post subject:

If you want something a little more custom might I suggest http://www.cohodesign.net/index.html Brad's a great guy. He does absolutely awesome work. He can design something for you if you want. He'll also apply the graphics. He did mine and If I remember correctly it was around $250 installed.
There are two colors each layed down seperately.

Jeff Brigner · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 2:44 pm Post subject: Lettering

I waited for a boat show. Had them made while I watched and also benefited from the advice given by the person making them. I liked looking at different fonts, colors and ideas. I just couldn't find what I wanted to do on the net. Then I brought them home and put them on crooked Rolling Eyes

Root canals, lortab and lettering don't mix. It seemed like a good idea at the time though. Smile

I figure no one will be able to tell as long as I keep moving.
The lettering is on the signature below.

drjohn71a · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 3:03 pm Post subject:

I had Tom-a-Hawk's name made and installed by "Prism Graphics" of Seattle. They were quick and accurate and did some great graphics work in matching the TomCat logo. Pretty reasonably priced also.

John

dotnmarty · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 3:11 pm Post subject:

Well, I used a signmakers website to figure out what I wanted. Then I went to the closest sign shop. For about $50 I got the boat name and reg numbers, all on application paper that even I couldn't screw up.

starcrafttom · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 3:34 pm Post subject:

We designed ours our selves, had them made by a close friend in ca. with a sign shop, fly her and her boy friend up to put them on and visit. Price was about $400 for the flight, free graphics, and a good time . See ablum for full install pics.[/img]

Jeff Brigner · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 3:46 pm Post subject:

What a show off Cool

It looks great !!

thataway · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 4:01 pm Post subject:

Most of the good sign shops use the high quality marine grade vinly. The fancy places will charge considerably more. We have found that all of them hold up well. Since they are on "backing paper" and you float them on with a water based solution and then squeegee them out to adhere, the application is fairly easy. I use masking tape to mark the points which are level and parallel. I measure the position of the name first with a ruler/tape, then put the masking tape down as a reference.

DaveS · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 5:10 pm Post subject:

[quote="Jeff Brigner"]What a show off Cool

It looks great !!

Don't forget Jeff, they had their truck decked out in matching graphics as well! (All for $400 and a bunch of fun with their friends!)

ccflyer · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 7:44 pm Post subject:

As it happens I've got a business that makes all sorts of signs, mostly vinyl.
Here's my two cents -
Start with a great graphic. You can do it with any number of fonts or go for something really custom (like "Playin Hooky - very sharp). There are many great designers to be found on Craigs List. Many work for short money.
Once you've got the design any good local sign shop will cut the vinyl. Buy the best exterior vinyl they offer - the difference in price is usually pretty small.
Installation is really simple but most shops will send someone out for a fee.
If you choose to apply it yourself, be certain to really clean the surface before application. We supply our take out customers with a squeege. Be certain to get out all the bubbles. Use a razor if some prove troublesome.
Finally, even the best exterior vinyl may curl along the edges over time. Simple fix is clear nail polish. Thumbs Up

Chivita · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 9:22 pm Post subject:

West Marine

http://www.westmarine.com/pdf/Boat_Lettering_Guide.pdf

FYI - Above is a 2 meg download. Good starting point even if you don't order from West Marine. I prefer to purchase locally as they can walk you through the how and why if you've never applied vinyl before. Just don't apply vinyl on too hot a surface!

Jeff and Julie · Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2007 9:38 am Post subject:

We also used Brad at Coho. Super guy to work with and the letters are holding up well!

Jeff and Julie

matt_unique · Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2007 12:00 pm Post subject: Color?

Do most owners try to match the lettering with the side stripe color or just use black (to match the Tomcat/C-Dory lettering)?