Image Monster Produces the World's Biggest Boat-Wrap

WILMINGTON, NC – December 3, 2009 – I believe it is the largest boat wrap ever, said Image Monster owner Jed McDonough as he surveyed the QuadZeus, a 60-foot power sportsfish boat in Charleston, S.C. Image Monster, a Wilmington, N.C., large-format print and graphic design studio, wrapped the boat in a custom design by graphic designer Zach Shaeffer, who utilized original drawings by renowned Wilmington marine artist Steve Goione.

It was a sensation; C&M could not be happier – the boat got tremendous exposure. Everyone was talking about it, says Clay Gaillard, public relations manager of Cummins MerCruiser Diesel, one of the country’s leading marine propulsion companies. Gaillard’s comment refers to the exposure QuadZeus received at the recent Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. The QuadZeus wrapped from bow to stern participated in the boat show turning heads wherever it went. The QuadZeus is a 60-foot convertible, powered by four Cummins MerCruiser Diesel QSC8.3-liter 600-hp engine/pod units. The boat was on display in conjunction with the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Gaillard says he got the idea to wrap the boat while attending Mercury boat races where smaller vessels are painted with designs. He then approached Goione in Wilmington about his idea, and Goione suggested a collaboration with Image Monster.

The boat-wrap is an unusual take on the more common vehicle-wrap. Vehicle-wraps, with which Image Monster has a great deal of experience, are a cost-effective way to advertise. A company’s vehicle in effect becomes a moving billboard. Image Monster offers a wide range of car, van, truck, trailer and fleet wraps.

Shaeffer took the drawings of the game fish from Goione and proceeded to create a layout that would be appropriate for the boat. He then made a computerized template of the scene. To get the right measurements, the boat itself was carefully measured and photographed. To assure correct proportions Shaeffer used a five-foot model of the same boat. The design phase took about a month and a half to complete. Once the template was approved Image Monster printed the design on cast vinyl sheets measuring 54 by 150′.

The panels were then taken to Charleston. According to McDonough, it took three men three days to wrap the boat. The boat is covered with large stylized designs of two Blue Marlins chasing four Mahi-Mahis. Shaeffer explains that the cast vinyl is resistant to water. In addition, he says an extra sealer was used to prevent water damage.

Image Monster

Image Monster is a Wilmington-based large format digital print shop and a fully functioning graphic design studio. The business is housed in a 4,000-square-foot retail facility that boasts one of the largest photo-quality printers on the East Coast. The company takes pride in helping businesses gain exposure by utilizing technology and developing cutting-edge marketing concepts for all price ranges. Image Monster’s services include intensive graphic design, full vehicle wraps, fine art reproductions, and a variety of trade show graphics.

For more information go to: http://www.imagemonster.com/.