Welcome to Boat Ownership…

Owning a boat in South Florida feels like joining an exclusive club, one where everyone smiles at you at the dock, strangers compliment your boat at the ramp, and you feel like you’ve joined the ranks of the people who enjoy life a little more.

But very quickly, every new boat owner realizes something: Florida is actively trying to destroy your pride and joy. The sun is harsh enough mid august you could probably fry an egg on your deck. The salt sticks to everything. The UV index is a daily threat. And the gelcoat or paint on your brand-new boat is far more delicate than most people ever realize. One wrong fender rub, one hard dock bump, one weekend of fishing, and suddenly the boat you loved on day one begins to dull, haze, and scratch.

This is exactly why marine PPF (Marine Paint Protection Film) has become the fastest-growing protection upgrade for new boat owners. And when it comes to marine PPF, Yacht Armor is the film everyone in the industry is talking about. It's thicker than traditional films, built specifically for boats, and designed to stop the kind of damage ceramic coating alone cannot. If ceramic coating is the sunscreen of the marine world, Yacht Armor is the bulletproof vest. It’s a true physical barrier that takes the abuse so your boat doesn’t have to.

In this guide, you’re going to learn exactly what marine PPF is, why it matters for new boats, how it compares to ceramic coating, how installation works, how long it lasts, what the real pricing looks like, how to maintain it, and and most importantly, why choosing the right installer determines whether your boats finish lasts seven years… or seven weeks.

Section Summary:

• New boats take immediate damage in Florida

• Marine PPF protects better than coatings alone

• Yacht Armor is the industry-leading marine film

Learn more about Yacht Armor marine PPF

What Is Marine PPF? 

Marine PPF (short for paint protection film) is a thick, transparent, self-healing protective layer that is applied directly over the gelcoat or paint of your boat. If you’ve ever seen automotive PPF, forget everything you know. Marine environments destroy automotive films in months. Yacht Armor, the film we use, is specifically engineered to handle constant UV exposure, saltwater, heat, and the daily abuse boats face. It’s a completely different category of product built for a completely different lifestyle.

The best way to visualize marine PPF is to imagine wrapping your boat in a flexible, invisible shield. It takes the scratches instead of the gelcoat. It blocks UV rays from ever reaching the surface. And because it’s self-healing, light scratches and rub marks disappear with heat from the sun. It's one of the only products in the marine industry that can keep an exterior finish looking brand-new for years without constant repolishing or recoating.

Marine PPF is 8 mils thick, giving it a strength ceramic coatings simply cannot match. We also have a 14 mil thick option. It’s thick enough to protect dock rash, and fender rub, yet clear enough that it’s nearly invisible once installed. On new boats, it preserves that fresh-from-the-factory gloss. On older boats, it locks in a corrected finish and prevents it from ever fading back to dull.

Section Summary:

• Marine PPF is a thick, self-healing protective film

• Yacht Armor is engineered for harsh marine environments

• It protects gelcoat from UV, scratches, and abrasion

Why Marine PPF Is a Game-Changer

When you bring home a new boat, your gelcoat or paint is at its almost in peak condition, despite the swirls in holograms all new boats have. This is the moment when every curve shines, and every detail looks like it came straight out of a brochure. Unfortunately, this stage doesn’t last long in Florida. Between UV exposure, docking, trailering, loading gear, and fender rub, most boats lose their showroom gloss within the first six months. That’s why so many new boat owners choose (or should choose) to protect their vessels early.

Marine PPF prevents 80–90% of the damage new boats collect in their first year. Instead of the gelcoat taking abuse, the film absorbs it. Instead of oxidation happening, UV rays are blocked entirely. Instead of fenders constantly rubbing, the film takes the beating. For a new owner who’s still learning docking angles, wind behavior, and tight marina turns, it’s basically a stress reducer without side effects. It acts as an insurance policy for your mistakes, your kids’ mistakes, and the occasional surprise gust of wind that pushes you sideways into the dock.

Because yacht paint is pretty soft compared to gelcoat, it scratches easily. Yacht Armor protects the areas most likely to get scratched. Since the film is removable, you can replace sections over the years without ever damaging the original finish underneath.

Section Summary:

• New boats lose their shine quickly without protection

• Marine PPF prevents early damage and UV exposure

• Ideal for first-year ownership and learning curves

Yacht Armor vs Ceramic Coating

Yacht Armor PPF and ceramic coatings are different tools with different strengths. Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that bonds to the gelcoat and provides hydrophobic protection, gloss, and easier cleaning. It slows oxidation but doesn’t stop it completely. And while ceramic coating is excellent for reducing maintenance and keeping a boat shiny, it cannot physically stop scratches or impact.

Marine PPF is a physical film an actual barrier that absorbs impact, blocks UV almost completely, and takes the damage so your gelcoat doesn’t have to. It’s thicker, stronger, and designed for boats that see heavy use, rough docking, fender wear, and high UV exposure. The two products work beautifully together when done correctly: PPF for high-impact zones, and ceramic coating on areas not covered with PPF, and even on top of the PPF for added protection. 

The best analogy is this: ceramic coating is sunscreen. Marine PPF is a nice SPF shirt. They’re both helpful, but they are not the same.

Section Summary:

• Ceramic coating = liquid protection

• Marine PPF = physical barrier

• Most owners benefit from using both together

Read our Ceramic Coating vs Wax 2026 comparison

The Benefits of Yacht Armor Marine PPF

The real power of marine PPF lies in the long-term, no-compromise protection it offers. Yacht Armor provides a level of durability that no coating can match. Because it blocks UV rays from ever reaching the gelcoat, oxidation simply cannot form in protected areas. This alone makes it one of the most cost-effective investments a new boat owner can make. No compounding, no polishing, just remove the film years later to reveal the same original shine.

Yacht Armor also absorbs scratch damage better than anything else on the market. Dock rash, fender rubbing, rope slap, anchor scuffs, and even fishing gear have a much harder time damaging the hull. Light scratches disappear through its self-healing properties. And because the film is so clear, nobody knows it’s there.

Another major benefit is stain resistance. Blood, rust, soot, sunscreen, and hard water deposits don’t penetrate the film. They wipe off instead of etching. This means easier maintenance and less need for aggressive chemicals.

Finally, the film’s lifespan typically 5–7 years in Florida is unmatched. The fact that you can remove and replace sections without affecting the underlying finish is a huge advantage for long-term ownership or resale value.

Section Summary:

• Stops oxidation completely under the film

• Absorbs scratches and impact damage

• Self-healing from sun exposure

• Lasts 5–7 years with proper care

What Marine PPF Costs 

Marine PPF is an investment, and it costs more than ceramic coating because it does far more, is more technical to install, pricier material, and one tiny mistake installing a $2000 roll of film could be trash. The price depends on factors like boat size, complexity, and how much of the vessel you want protected. Full hull wraps cost significantly more than partial protection, but they also provide the highest long-term benefit.

We start our pricing at $25/sqft for most installs, but can go up to $50/ sqft for complex areas that require a lot of trimming and seaming. 

Section Summary:

• Prices vary based on coverage and size

• Full hull wraps provide maximum value

• Cheap pricing almost always means inferior film or poor installation

Request a Yacht Armor quote today

How Yacht Armor Is Installed 

Installing marine PPF is a craft that requires precision, patience, and a deep understanding of boat geometry. A proper installation begins with a full wash and decontamination to remove every trace of salt, grime, or residue. If the gelcoat has imperfections, swirls,  holograms, scratches, or oxidation, we correct those areas before installation.

Once the surface is perfect, the film is applied using a slip solutions and stretching techniques to conform to hull curves, reverse curves, and corners. Edges are meticulously wrapped for an invisible look and to prevent lifting. Air pockets and moisture are squeegeed out, and the film begins bonding. Depending on the vessel and coverage area, this process can take anywhere from one day to one week.

Professional installation is everything with PPF. Marine film must be handled differently than automotive film, and installers must have marine-specific training. Incorrect installations lead to bubbles, peeling, and premature failure.

Section Summary:

• Prep and correction are essential

• Marine film requires skill to stretch and conform

• A good install is invisible and long-lasting

Maintaining Marine

Maintaining Yacht Armor is easy compared to maintaining raw gelcoat or paint. You don’t need heavy compounds, aggressive scrubbing pads, or harsh chemicals. A simple wash is all you need. If you opted for a ceramic coating on top of the film that will need reapplication about every year. Avoiding pressure washers on film edges and skipping acidic degreasers ensures the adhesive stays healthy over time.

We also recommend applying a PPF-approved maintenance topper once or twice a year. This keeps the surface glossy, boosts hydrophobicity, and extends the film's lifespan. With these simple steps, Yacht Armor stays clear, glossy, and protective for its entire service life.

Section Summary:

• Easy to maintain with basic washing

• Avoid harsh chemicals and high-pressure edging

• Annual toppers extend performance

Learn about our Yacht Armor maintenance program

Is Marine PPF Worth It for New Boat Owners?

If you plan on keeping your boat longer than a year, the answer is almost always yes. Marine PPF is the only product that protects gelcoat from nearly everything UV rays, scratches, dock rash, fenders, stains, and oxidation. Ceramic coating makes cleaning easy, but PPF prevents the damage ceramic cannot. New boat owners especially benefit because they’re protecting brand new gelcoat before any damage occurs.

When you look at the cost of gelcoat repairs, oxidation removal, repainting, and annual polishing over five years, PPF typically ends up being cheaper long-term. And when it’s time to sell your boat, having original gelcoat that still looks brand-new is a massive resale advantage.

Section Summary:

• Worth it for any new boat in Florida

• Saves thousands in correction and maintenance

• Holds long-term resale value

Explore our full yacht detailing services

Why Choose Seaboard Surface Solutions? 

Marine PPF isn’t something you want done by a general-detailing shop or an automotive installer crossing over into boats. This is a specialized craft. At Seaboard Surface Solutions, we specialize in high-end marine protection. We’re certified Yacht Armor installers, we understand boat geometry, and we take the time required to prep every surface properly before installing the film.

We correct imperfections before wrapping, wrap edges seamlessly, and maintain your film throughout its lifespan. Our focus is long-term results. When you trust your vessel to us, you’re getting a team that treats your boat exactly like their own. If you want your marine PPF done right the first time, we’re ready when you are.

Section Summary:

• Certified installers with marine expertise

• Precision prep and edge wrapping

• Long-term maintenance support

Get your Yacht Armor marine PPF quote today

FAQ

How long does Yacht Armor last?
Typically 5–7 years in Florida with proper care.

Does marine PPF prevent oxidation?
Yes. Areas covered by film cannot oxidize because UV cannot penetrate it.

Can you ceramic coat over the film?
Yes, many owners do this to add hydrophobic benefits.

Does PPF turn yellow?
Yacht Armor does not. It’s engineered to resist yellowing.

Can marine PPF be removed?
Yes, it peels off cleanly when done professionally.

Does PPF protect against dock rash?
It dramatically reduces it, especially in high-impact areas.

How thick is marine PPF?
Yacht Armor is 8 mils or 14 mils thick

Is it better than ceramic coating?
For impact protection, yes. But the best setup is PPF + ceramic.

How long does installation take?
Anywhere from a day to a week depending on coverage.