How to Create Custom Crew Shirts for Sea Base High Adventure Trips!

 

Troops that go to Philmont or Seabase frequently get their own make their own class B shirt for their group. It's a combination of class B, souvenir and way to identify each other! Here are some tips to getting a shirt that you will all like !

Also, be sure to see

• Tips and recommendations based on past trips
• Master list of Sea Base Trip Guides, Checklists, Calculators, Lists, Forms, Tips and More
• UNofficial official Sea Base page with loads more information about Sea Base.

• Merit badge requirements you can complete while on a Sea Base Adventure!

Custom Crew Shirts.

Many crews get long sleeve hoodie polyester quick dry shirt with a logo on the front and sometimes on the back to use as the sun shirt on the boat . Others opt for a short sleeve shirt which is for off use and as a souvenir.

 Typically you want to create your own unique catchy, fun logo that includes your troop identification that may be something a little different on the back of the shirt . Here, in a step-by-step format,  are the ways that past participating troops recommend to do it for the best quality and at the best price.

Design your logo

There was a time when you had to be a graphics designer to do a logo. But these days Chatgpt, Grok and other AIs allow you to do it in literally a few minutes.Or you can select a ready made image from Sea Base designs on Class B.com.

1. Decide on a theme.
   See what the scouts like: sharks, pirates, the sailboat and the ship's wheel and or something else!  Let their imaginations run!
2. Gather whatever images you see or have already, such as other logos that your group likes.
3. Open your favorite AI that has image generation capability, like ChatGOT, Gemini or Grok, and upload the images to it.
4. Ask it: "Taking the images attached, can you create a logo for a BSA Sea Base t-shirt for the front and back of the shirt".
   and further instruction, such as, I want the ship's wheel as the perimeter of the logo, and inside it have a sailboat filled with scouts in uniform about to be eaten by a giant shark. Have a skeleton pirate riding the shark. "
5. Then keep giving commands to the AI to refine the image to your liking!

Decide on a type and style of shirt 

This means:

1. Material: what type of material (polyester, cotton, blend, other) . Polyester is usually preferred as it is quick drying, lightweight and doesn't wrinkle easily. Class B recommends: "B476 Wicking", Sportec 4.5 oz 100% Polyester Performance because
   • These shirts dry fast!
   • Easy to wash
   • Shirt resists odor buildup
   • Lightweight and compact
   • Keep you feeling cool
2. Sleeves: Long sleeve or short sleeve. Long-sleeves are used on boats for sun protection. Short sleeves dominate as shirts to wear after Sea Base. Or get one of each! ,
3. Hood: hoodie or without a hood. If you have a wide-brimmed sun hat, especially one with the neck covering, it's just a matter of preference.
4. Color: There are many color options. Sea Captains like bright colors that contrast with the ocean, like orange, red or pink, not turquoise, light blue, etc. there is even glow in the dark ink as an option. Also light colors are MUCH cooler in the hot sun!
   Another advantage of light colors, especially white, is you can use the Sublimation Decoration method to customize it! This method is much lighter and more breathable than other methods. Sublimation is also breathable. Sublimation is tough, won’t chip off or get ruined by rubbing, like when wearing a PFD. It holds up better under repeated washing, compared to iron-on.

Bottom line: If it will be a sun shirt intended for use on the boats, many troops opt for a polyester / dri-fit, long-sleeved with or without a hoodie shirt.
If will be worn after Sea Base, many go for a regular polyester short-sleeved T-shirt. 

Decide where to have the shirt made

The costs and quality vary.  The more colors you use, logo on both sides vs 1 side,materials and the vendor all affect the costs 

Here are the recommended options of vendors:

1. Class B - Yes, that's the company name "Class B".
   Scouters say they were so amazing to work with, easy to design and update, great communication all the way through and knew our departure date to keep us on track as well. Class B recommends: "Almost all Sea Base crews order wicking shirts. Wicking shirts go by many names: technical, performance, wicking, or microfiber polyester. When viewing stock designs, remember that the prices are for 100% cotton. Wicking shirts cost a bit extra."
   Costs in 2026, it looks like 15 long sleeve Printed Wicking Shirts cost about $17 each, with a range from $17 to $33 depending upon how many you order. 6 ink colors.
    
2. Custom Ink - Another choice, not quite as popular as Class B, but recommended, too.
    Be sure to look for coupon codes, you may receive an extra 10% off and get it tax free if you have a church as your chartering organization.  You can do almost anything on them and still use BSA logos.
    
3. Dri Fit Fishing -  (954) 801-8859. Dri fit may be less expensive than the others.  Class B and Custom Ink charge on number of colors used which can be an issue if you have a lot of colors. Their  preferred method is dye-sublimation onto light fabrics, which all rtecommend for durability and comfort. In-house design studio. Any amount of colors, no set up fees. Image area 13" x 16" max.
   2026 Price for shirt includes print front and back Quantity 1 - 10: (Discounts for 11 and up)
   Performance Long sleeve $ 33.00 each
   Performance Short Sleeve $ 28.00 each
   **FOR UPF50 SHIRTS - add $ 3.00 PER SHIRT**
   Performance Pullover High Collar/Zipper $36 each
   Long sleeve Hooded UPF 50 $ 41.00 each​.
    
4. The BSA Sea Base Ship Store - yes, many people do use them and are please. But they are pricy. In 2026, it looks like the price is $40 - $54 each for long sleeve boat sun shirts. It looks like the designsare limited, but it may be that I haven't found the right page on the Sea Base website for that.
   
5. Free Sunshields - The only challenge is you can't use the BSA logos.
6. 
    
7. Buy plain unprinted shirts online and use a local printer:
   Buy the shirts you need on Amazon:
   1. long sleeved UV50+ quick dry with hoodie shirts or
   2. long-sleeved UV50 shirts without a hoodie or
   3. Short-sleeved T-shirts
   and use a local screen printer to do the design. Local print shops often offer fast, hands-on service, with quick turnarounds, while online outfitters specialize in licensing for specific organizations.