What Is Yacht Armor Marine Paint Protection Film? Complete Guide for 2026
Florida sun destroys unprotected paint gelcoat faster than anywhere else in the country. Saltwater, UV, and constant exposure to the elements eat through paint and gelcoat when unprotected, leaving even new boats looking faded within a year.
Yacht Armor Marine Paint Protection Film (PPF) was created to stop exactly that.

One of our client's boats with Yacht Armor PPF Applied to entire hullsides, transom, and exterior tables & cabinets
Quick Answer: What Is Yacht Armor Marine PPF?
Yacht Armor is a clear, ultra-durable polyurethane film designed specifically for boats and yachts. It protects your boat's paint, gelcoat, and high wear areas from:
-
UV damage
-
fender burn
-
dock rash
-
oxidation
-
scratches
-
water spots
- salt etching
Think of it as an invisible shield that keeps your boat looking brand new for 5–7 years.
Unlike automotive PPF, Yacht Armor is engineered for saltwater, Harsh UV index 11 sun, and constant water exposure.
What Exactly Is Yacht Armor Marine PPF?
Yacht Armor is a marine-specific protection film with:
-
marine-grade polyurethane construction
-
UV-blockers that prevent yellowing
-
saltwater-resistant adhesives
-
high-impact scratch protection
-
flexibility for curves and hull shapes
- Two different thickness needed to defend your boat, 8mil or 14mil
Automotive film fails quickly on boats.
Yacht Armor is built for Florida, and its harsh marine conditions.
How Yacht Armor Works
UV Protection
Blocks 99% of UV rays and prevents gelcoat and paint from oxidizing and fading.
Salt & Chemical Resistance
Stops saltwater etching, mineral deposits, and oxidation.
Impact & Abrasion Protection
Prevents:
-
fender rash
-
dock rub
-
damage from piling impact
-
rope burns from docking
-
abrasion from fishing gear, wash poles, brushes, etc.
Hydrophobic Behavior
Makes the surface easier to clean and reduces buildup.
Pairing it with ceramic coating boosts performance even more.
Click HERE to learn more about our ceramic coating offering!
Yacht Armor vs. Ceramic Coating
Ceramic Coating Offers:
-
UV resistance
-
slick surface
-
easier cleaning
-
water repellency
- 18-24 months of protection, with annual maintenance
Yacht Armor PPF Offers all of that plus:
-
impact resistance
-
scratch protection
-
dock/fender protection
-
long-term durability
They work best together—PPF installed first, ceramic coating applied on top.
Yacht Armor vs. Repainting
-
Repainting a boat: A full repaint on a 60 Azimut, done by a professional company would be ballparked $100,000
-
Yacht Armor PPF: prevents 90% of damage that causes those repairs
PPF is the smartest long-term financial decision for boat owners.
Where Yacht Armor Should Be Installed
High-impact zones include:
-
hull sides
-
fender zones
-
transom
-
gunnels
-
console fronts
-
cap rail
-
cleat areas
-
walkways and steps
Partial protection is cost-efficient, full hull side and top side protection is ideal for yacht owners that want the best for their boats!
How Long Yacht Armor Lasts in Florida
Typical lifespan: 5–7 years
Factors affecting lifespan:
-
level of maintenance and aftercare
-
wash schedule (we can help, click HERE to learn more)
-
fender usage
Seaboard Surface Solutions’s bi-weekly wash programs extend film life significantly.
Yacht Armor Installation Process
-
Wash + decontamination
-
Polish to remove oxidation, swirls and holograms
-
Wash + decontamination ROUND TWO
-
Film installation (wet applied & trimmed after application)
-
Ceramic coating top layer (recommended for ultimate protection)
This is not a DIY process. Marine PPF requires expert installation, and high attention to detail when trimming. If trimming isn't done properly you will have cut lines into your paint or gelcoat.
Common Myths About Marine PPF
Myth: “PPF yellows.”
Truth: Yacht Armor Marine PPF is UV-stabilized. It will start to yellow if its way past the 7 year lifespan.
Myth: “Saltwater makes it peel.”
Truth: Yacht Armor's adhesive is built for constant exposure.
Myth: “Ceramic coating is enough.”
Truth: While Ceramic Coating is fantastic, Ceramic doesn’t protect against impact or abrasion.
Myth: “PPF is too ugly on a boat.”
Truth: It’s nearly invisible and enhances gloss, as well as depth of shine!
Why Fort Lauderdale Boat Owners Need Yacht Armor
Fort Lauderdale is the harshest boating environment in the U.S.:
-
UV index 10–11
-
constant battle against water spots
-
high traffic marinas
-
intense sun makes paint and gelcoat oxidize faster
-
year-round sun exposure
Gelcoat and paint in South Florida ages twice as fast as northern regions.
Yacht Armor is essential here, and the best solution.
Yacht Armor Pricing
Pricing starts at $25 per square foot
Exact pricing depends on size, complexity of each surface, and accessibility.
How to Maintain Yacht Armor
-
Use pH-neutral soap
-
Avoid abrasive brushes
-
Don’t polish or wax the film
-
Ceramic coating highly recommended on top of the film
Ready to Protect Your Boat?
If you own a yacht or center console in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or Palm Beach, Yacht Armor is the most advanced marine protection available.
Request your FREE Yacht Armor Assessment Today.
FAQ RECAP
1) How long does Yacht Armor last?
5-7 years with proper maintenance
2) Can yacht armor go below the waterline?
No, above waterline only
3) Does PPF peel off in saltwater?
No, Yacht Armor is made for the marine environment
4) How thick is it?
Two different thicknesses 8mil and 14mil
5) Can I put ceramic coating on top?
Yes, Its recommended for the best possible protection for your boat or yacht