Andrew Pace
Shrink wrapping a boat is a great way to protect it during the winter months. It's also useful for those who plan to trailer their boat, as it can be designed to account for strong winds encountered when towing. The process is straightforward, but it's important to ensure the boat is dry and that vents are installed so the boat can breathe during storage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protect a boat during the winter months |
| Material | Non-permeable |
| Boat preparation | Boat must be dry |
| Ventilation | Vents must be installed to allow the boat to breathe |
| Entry | A zipper door can be installed to allow easy entry |
| Transportation | Can be used to protect a boat while it is being trailered, in which case a 'bullet wrap' is required |
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What You'll Learn
Why shrink wrap a boat?
Shrink wrapping a boat is a great way to protect it from the elements during the winter months. It is particularly useful in cold climates, where snow and ice can build up on the boat and cause damage through freeze-thaw cycles. Shrink wrap can also be used to protect a boat while it is being trailered, with an aerodynamic design that incorporates strapping and thicker plastic to withstand strong winds.
The shrink-wrap material is non-permeable, so it is important to ensure the boat is completely dry before wrapping and that vents are installed to allow airflow and prevent humidity. A zipper door can also be added to make it easier to access the boat while it is wrapped.
Some boat owners may opt for a custom cover instead of shrink wrap, as it can be a significant expense, especially if it needs to be replaced. However, for those who plan to work on their boat during the winter, shrink wrap can be a worthwhile investment, providing protection and easy access.
Overall, shrink wrapping a boat is a great option for those looking to protect their investment and ensure easy access during the winter months or while trailering.
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How to prepare a boat for shrink wrapping
Shrink wrapping is a great way to protect your boat during the winter months. If you're preparing to shrink wrap your boat, here are some steps to follow:
Firstly, ensure your boat is as dry as possible. The shrink-wrap material is non-permeable, so moisture can become trapped inside, leading to potential issues such as mould or corrosion.
Next, consider whether you'll need to access your boat during the winter. If so, be sure to request a zipper door from your shrink wrapper. This will allow easy entry and exit without compromising the integrity of the wrap.
Additionally, think about ventilation. As mentioned, shrink wrap doesn't breathe, so it's important to install vents to ensure good airflow and prevent moisture buildup. You might also consider a centrifugal blower to blow fresh air in when humidity is low.
If you plan to trailer your boat while it's wrapped, you'll need a "bullet wrap". This design incorporates strapping and thicker plastic to withstand strong winds while towing. Be sure to mention this to your shrink wrapper beforehand so they can prepare the appropriate materials.
Finally, when getting a price quote, specify exactly what you want. A low-budget outfit may only wrap up to the rub rail, while a more comprehensive job will extend down the hull sides, offering better protection.
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How to install vents
Shrink wrapping a boat is a great way to protect it from the elements, especially during the winter months. However, it's important to remember that the shrink-wrap material is non-permeable, meaning the boat needs to be as dry as possible before wrapping.
To ensure proper airflow and ventilation, vents must be installed in the shrink wrap. This is crucial to prevent moisture buildup and allow the boat to breathe during storage.
- Determine the number and placement of vents: Consider the size of your boat and the climate conditions it will be stored in. As a general rule, more vents are better for improved airflow. Place the vents at regular intervals along the length of the boat, focusing on areas that may be prone to moisture buildup, such as near windows or hatches.
- Cut vent openings: Using a sharp knife or a box cutter, carefully cut openings in the shrink wrap for the vents. Make sure the openings are slightly smaller than the vent size to ensure a snug fit.
- Install the vents: Choose vents that are specifically designed for shrink wrap. These vents usually have an adhesive backing or a self-tapping screw mechanism for easy installation. Simply peel off the adhesive backing and firmly press the vent into place, or screw it in place if it has a screw mechanism.
- Secure the vents: Once the vents are in place, ensure they are securely attached to the shrink wrap. You can use additional adhesive or sealant around the edges of the vents to create a watertight seal and prevent any leaks.
- Test the vents: After installation, test the vents to ensure they are functioning properly. Open the vents to check for good airflow and make sure they can be easily adjusted to control the airflow as needed.
By following these steps, you can effectively install vents in your shrink wrap, providing proper ventilation and protecting your boat during storage.
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$50.99 $59.99
How to trailer a boat while it's wrapped
If you plan to trailer your boat while it's wrapped, you need a "bullet wrap". This is an aerodynamic design that incorporates strapping and thicker plastic to account for the strong winds encountered when towing. It's important to mention that you'll be towing the boat before the shrink wrapper goes to work.
A low-budget outfit may only wrap to the rub rail, while a first-class job goes all the way down the hull sides, to better protect the boat. Specify what you want when getting a price quote. The boat should be as dry as possible before it's wrapped, and vents should be installed in the wrap so it can breathe during storage. A centrifugal blower can also be installed to blow fresh air in.
A zipper door can be fitted to the wrap to make entry easy, and if you need to get onto the boat to work on it during the winter, be sure to ask the shrink wrapper to install one.
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How to choose a shrink wrapper
Shrink wrapping is a great way to protect your boat during the winter months. If you're looking to get your boat shrink-wrapped, here are some things to consider when choosing a shrink wrapper:
- If you plan to trailer your boat while it's wrapped, you'll need a "bullet wrap". This design incorporates strapping and thicker plastic to withstand strong winds while towing. Be sure to mention this to your shrink wrapper before they start work.
- Specify whether you want the wrap to go down to the rubrail or all the way down the hull sides for better protection.
- If you need to access the boat during winter, ask the shrink wrapper to install a zipper door.
- Ensure the boat is as dry as possible before it's wrapped, and that vents are installed so the boat can breathe during storage.
- Ask about the number and placement of vents. A good wrap job includes multiple vents to ensure good airflow.
- If you're concerned about humidity, consider installing a port for a centrifugal blower to blow in fresh air.
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Frequently asked questions
Boat shrink wrap is a non-permeable material that is wrapped around a boat to protect it from the elements.
Boat shrink wrap does not breathe like covers do, so vents are necessary to ensure good airflow and prevent humidity.
A bullet wrap is a type of boat shrink wrap that is designed for boats that will be trailered. It incorporates strapping and thicker plastic to withstand strong winds while towing.
If you need to access the boat while it's wrapped, you can ask the shrink-wrapper to install a zipper door.
Shrink wrapping is typically done at the end of the boating season, before winter, to protect the boat from snow and ice.
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