Checkered Blade Racing Stripes for Boats | Port & Starboard

Description

A two-piece checkered blade stripe set in matte, gloss, clear or static cling cast vinyl, cut for port and starboard sides of your boat. Choose from 12-inch to 48-inch widths.

Checkered Blade Stripes, Cut as a Port & Starboard Pair

This set ships as two mirrored pieces, one for each side of your hull, so the checkered blade design lines up evenly whether you're standing at the dock or passing another boat on the water. The angled blade shape gives the classic checkered flag look a sharper, more aggressive line than a straight stripe, and it reads well from a distance. Each piece is cut to order in your choice of width from 12 to 48 inches, so you can scale the graphic to match the length and free space on your boat. Because both sides are cut at the same time from the same vinyl lot, the color and finish match across the pair.

Custom Racing Stripes in Four Finishes

Pick the finish that fits your boat's look. Matte black checks soften the contrast for a subtle, modern feel, while gloss delivers the bold, high-contrast checkered flag style most people picture. Clear vinyl with a checkered cutout lets your hull color show through the open squares, and static cling gives you a temporary option that peels off clean when the season ends or you want to change the design. All four finishes are cut from cast vinyl, which conforms around mild curves and contours on fiberglass hulls better than stiffer calendered material. If you're browsing our custom racing stripes collection for a truck or car as well, the same finish options apply across the line.

Applying Blade Stripes to a Fiberglass Hull

Start with a clean, dry, wax-free surface, since wax and silicone release agents are the most common reason decals lift at the edges. A dedicated surface prep or isopropyl alcohol wipe works well on gelcoat. Position each blade piece with masking tape as a hinge, peel the backing a section at a time, and squeegee from the center outward to push air toward the edges. Warm the vinyl slightly with a heat gun or hair dryer to help it stretch around chines and curved sections, then trim any excess at the waterline with a sharp blade. Wait a full day before launching so the adhesive sets.

Sizing the Set to Your Boat

Width refers to the tallest point of the blade stripe, measured from the bottom edge to the top of the checkered pattern. A 12-inch set suits smaller runabouts, jon boats and personal watercraft where free hull space is limited. Eighteen to 24 inches is a common choice for center consoles and bowriders, while 36 to 48 inch widths fill the sides of larger offshore and pontoon boats. Before ordering, measure the flat or gently curved area where you plan to place the stripe, and remember to leave room for registration numbers and any existing graphics. If you're between sizes, the smaller option is easier to apply solo.

What you get

• Two mirrored pieces included, one for each side of the hull
• Available in matte, gloss, clear and static cling finishes
• Cut from cast vinyl that conforms to curved fiberglass surfaces
• Width options from 12 inches to 48 inches
• Cut to order in our shop, both sides from the same vinyl lot
• Checkered blade design reads clearly from a distance
• Static cling option removes clean for seasonal use

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

Do I get one decal or two?

You receive two mirrored pieces, one for each side of the boat, so the checkered blade design matches on port and starboard.

Which width should I choose?

Measure the open space on your hull where the stripe will sit. The listed width is the height of the blade at its tallest point. Smaller boats typically use 12 to 18 inches, while larger hulls carry 24 to 48 inches well.

Can I remove the stripes later?

Yes. Peel the vinyl up at an edge, warming it with a hair dryer as you go. Static cling peels off without adhesive residue; adhesive vinyl may leave minor residue that cleans up with an adhesive remover safe for gelcoat.