The answer depends entirely on your situation. If you store your boat outside in a climate that often has snow, rain, and freezing temperatures, shrink wrapping is a sure way to keep moisture from entering the hull and causing damage.
Should you shrink wrap your own boat?
Using a shrink wrap film to cover even the sharp corners of your boat will ensure maximum protection during storage. With that level of safety and security from external elements, doing constant repairs will not happen as often as before.
Why to shrink wrap my boat?
“The main reason to shrink wrap your boat, obviously, is to protect it,” Hoover said. “It’ll keep out rain, snow, ice, and UV light.” Hold on a sec, Dustin, doesn’t that regular old blue tarp accomplish the same exact thing? “And unlike a tarp,” he continued, “properly installed shrink wrap will not leak. Period.
How to remove shrink wrap from your boat for recycling?
Here’s what to do:
- Remove the vinyl straps, a.k.a. ...
- Start at the stern, cutting a 6-inch vertical line. ...
- Make sure the heavy plastic, called low-density polyethylene, is clean of cigarette butts, pop cans, rocks and other debris.
- Cut the shrink wrap into manageable pieces, to roll up and carry to a disposal facility.
- For more details, see go.osu.edu/shrinkwraprecycling.
Should I shrink wrap my boat?
The Cons of Shrink Wrap
- Ventilation is a problem. Trapped moisture causes mildew and mold, and polyethylene doesn't allow airflow. ...
- Access costs extra. You need to install zipped doors to get to the boat to work on it, so you need to plan ahead. ...
- Long Term Layup. If laying up for long term - more than a season - shrink wrap may not hold up as well. ...
- Environmental considerations. ...
Can you shrink wrap in the rain?
2) Heat Shrinking: If rainwater is covering the shrink wrap sheeting during the final heat shrink process, although the sheeting may shrink tight, the shrink wrap may have a 'speckled' appearance where water droplets prevented the hot air properly reaching the scaffold wrap film.
Can you shrink wrap a boat in cold weather?
How you store your boat is crucial when it comes to protecting the investment and time you've put in. Wrapping your boat for the winter can help protect it against moisture and the damaging cold. Unlike a tarp, shrink wrap won't leak and ice won't build up.
How long does shrink wrap last on a boat?
However, we've seen the occasional customer keep our wrap on their boat for years with success – but it's not typical. In short, it all depends on the stress presented by the environment, but 6 months to a year is a reasonable expectation.
Does shrink wrapping a boat cause mold?
When the boating season ends, boats are abruptly removed and then winterized. The process typically includes an acid wash, fluid changes, shrink wrapping and storage inside barns, industrial buildings or out in boatyards.
Does shrink wrapping a boat keep mice out?
You will have some open areas when shrink wrapping. You want some ventilation anyway. So the answer is no, shrink wrap will not keep mice out of the boat.
Can you travel with a shrink wrapped boat?
You should attach the boat shrink wrap cover differently for transporting your boat. Shrink wrap for boats in transit generally need no support structure: just install a couple of straps running fore and aft under the shrink wrap to give it support as it travels down the road.
Is it cheaper to wrap or paint a boat?
Vinyl wraps usually cost about a third of what marine painting does. If you own or manage more than one boat, wrapping your fleet is much more affordable than painting it — especially if you want to put the same graphic on all of your vessels.
How long does shrink wrap last outside?
2 yearsShrink wrap will protect an object stored outside for up to 2 years. Can I install shrink wrap myself?
Does shrink wrap melt in the sun?
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can break down the plastic wrap as well as the product in outdoor storage. In fact, most stock stretch wrap plastic will begin to break down within 30 days of outdoor storage.
Does shrink wrap prevent mold?
Mold or mildew can often grow on the wood or other materials that are exposed during this time. This isn't something that people will want contaminating their new building projects. BioShrink shrink wrap can prevent this growth from happening while the project is completed.
Why should I shrink wrap my boat?
The main reason to shrink wrap your boat is to protect it from weather damage. Essentially the shrink wrap is used as a protective cover for the boat and equipment from potentially harsh weather conditions. Shrink wrap will help protect against rodents, insects, bird droppings, and dust.
How do you shrink wrap a boat for the winter?
4:058:40How to Shrink Wrap a Boat / Dr. Shrink, Inc. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo by using the heat tool and long cuff safety glog heat up the material. And Pat it down againstMoreSo by using the heat tool and long cuff safety glog heat up the material. And Pat it down against the boat this will join the front and tuck - material together creating a solid weld.
How do you shrink wrap a boat for the winter?
4:058:40How to Shrink Wrap a Boat / Dr. Shrink, Inc. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo by using the heat tool and long cuff safety glog heat up the material. And Pat it down againstMoreSo by using the heat tool and long cuff safety glog heat up the material. And Pat it down against the boat this will join the front and tuck - material together creating a solid weld.
Should you cover a boat in winter?
Without a cover, water can get in places, freeze, and expand. This will cause damage to the engine, pipes, and fibreglass. Winter boat covers are an affordable preventative measure. The first step in winterizing your boat is cleaning and performing required maintenance.
How do I cover my boat for the winter?
There are several ways to cover a boat for winter. You can use a plastic or canvas tarp, shrink wrap, or a semi-custom boat cover. Plastic tarps are the least expensive option, but they are not durable and usually do not fit properly. Thus, they can ruin your boat's clear coat as they flap in the wind.
How do I protect my boat in the winter?
The best way to protect your boat from the elements is to cover the entire vessel with a polyvinyl or tarp cover. Whether you are using a tarp or shrink wrap, use a cover made to fit the boat. This will ensure a snug fit that will keep moisture and dust out of the boat's interior.
Who needs shrink wrap?
Everyone who stores a boat for the winter outdoors should consider it. If you already have a winter cover for your boat, you're exempt. For smaller boats it may make less economic sense, but if your objective is to prevent damage to your boat and come back to a clean vessel in the spring, you should get a quote.
Why do you put shrink wrap on a boat?
Framing under shrink wrap can be set at a high angle to keep ice and snow from accumulating. The slipperiness of the plastic also keeps the ice and snow from building up too quickly. You shouldn't get puddles or snow buildup, both hazards of tarp and canvas covers. Covers the entire boat.
What is a canvas cover for a sailboat?
Holes for standing rigging, stanchions, radar arches, and other off deck items are cut into it. Canvas covers have their own set of pros and cons to consider, and one might be more appropriate for you.
What is the cheapest way to cover a boat?
The absolute cheapest (and worst) way this is done is just wrapping tarps over a boat's open areas and tying it down at the corners. For small boats, a tarp and rope cover can work.
What are the disadvantages of a boat tarp?
The disadvantages are many. Prone to loosening, blowing and failure. Gaps between tarps can't easily be sealed, so if you can't get one tarp big enough for the whole boat leaks are inevitable. Can't be tightened down and stretched taut enough to prevent flapping, blowing, loosening, and wear.
What conditions are common where you store a boat?
Windy conditions are common where you store the boat.
Does shrink wrap cover a boat?
Most shrink wrap installations cover the entire boat, wrapping the stanchions under the cover and overlapping the top of the hull. Many canvas covers leave holes for stanchions or stop at the cap rails, all of which allows more moisture, Very stable when built properly.
What color is boat wrap?
There are three basic colors for plastic boat wrap…white, blue and clear. White it is said reduces temperature swings but suffers from snow sticking problems on the outside of the plastic wrap that can result in collapse. Blue has the least amount of snow sticking to it but may have a larger interior temperature swing.
What is chaffing on a wake board?
Chaffing and or marking of the exterior visual gel coat surfaces , windshield frames and wake board towers. Movement of the plastic film almost like continual harmonic vibration due to wind-age is a concern for outer sensitive surfaces. These surface frequently experience marking resulting a flat dull appearance, clear unsightly line blemish’s at or near the tightening hull side rope area which holds the plastic in place against the hull. The use of film under wrap in these areas is required and is not normally part of a quoted shrink wrap price.
Why do boats need plastic wrap?
Plastic Wrap systems maintain a higher constant humidity level in the boat for the entire storage period. Boats tend to be wet by nature and covering them completely with a plastic film makes the problem significantly worse as the moisture cannot adequately escape no matter how much venting is done.
What does "less" mean in shrink wrap?
In the market battle for Shrink Wrap by the foot, less usually means you are receiving less and have a greater exposure to damage during storage periods. Shrink Wrap storage where you have a choice is not your best choice in maintaining the integrity, overall appearance, lifespan and reducing maintenance costs or replacement cycles.
Does shrink wrap damage a boat?
UV radiation levels on outer and inner surfaces are significantly higher in shrink wrap systems. There is no mitigation for this and clear plastic is not recommended. UV radiation will cause surface fading and damage to all hull, carpet and upolstery surfaces. Does my boat not receive large doses of harmful UV radiation during the boating season…yes. This is why you should be applying sunscreen for your boat surfaces (boat wax) and upholstery surface (303 product or 3M). This is also why boathouses, boat awnings and cockpit and bow cover going over the windshield are recommended in season. UV radiation levels are frequently higher in the winter months.
Can you use mold inhibitors on a boat?
Marinas or storage facilities can use a number of mold inhibitors inside the boat to reduce the moisture problem as well ensuring that the boat is completely dry before applying the plastic film. Mold prevention is such a large issue in the latest winter storage marina supply booklet there are 41 items to suppress mold and odor problems ...
What is the most expensive tool to shrink wrap a boat?
The heat gun is the most expensive tool needed to shrink wrap a boat. A quality heat gun costs a lot more than a few hundred dollars. However, damage to a boat from using the wrong heat tool will be costlier than the gun itself!
What temperature should a heat gun be for shrink wrapping?
Quality heat guns operate at 3,500°F, the required temperature for proper shrink wrapping. Most cheaper heat guns only reach temperatures of about 1,200°F. Some foolhardy folks online suggest using propane torches instead of investing in a real heat gun. Propane torches are basically flamethrowers not meant for shrink wrapping, and pointing one at your boat's hull is ill-advised! If you think a good heat gun costs too much, consider this: You'll be using it for years to come, so the cost will even out. Get some friends to share the expense to offset the cost.
Is shrink wrap flammable on a boat?
Do we really need to explain this one? Just in case someone wasn't paying attention: boat shrink wrap film is flammable; your boat is flammable; and the heat gun produces a 3,500°F naked flame!
Can you tighten boat straps by hand?
The woven cord straps are what keeps the shrink wrapping in place, therefore the strapping must be tight. Simply tightening the straps by hand will not be enough.
Can you shrink wrap a boat?
Regardless of what you read online, it's never a good idea to attempt to shrink wrap your own boat with equipment that wasn't designed for that purpose. Using inadequate tools can lead to a boat not being shrink wrapped properly, or worse, the boat being damaged during the wrapping process. Here are four essential tools you should never substitute for alternatives when shrink wrapping a boat:
Do you need gloves when working with a heat gun?
When working with a heat gun producing 3,500°F, the use of safety gloves is common sense. Especially when you consider that you have to pat shrink wrap film that has been heated to melting point. Some people think they can save a few bucks by using everyday work gloves, but we highly advise against this.
Can you add videos to your watch history?
Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer.
How to secure a boat wrap?
Now that your wrap is in place, you can start securing it with your straps. A single strap around the perimeter of the boat just above the tubes should prevent the wrap from moving out of place. But you could also apply several other ‘belly bands’ across the underside of the boat to prevent it from pulling around on either side of the pontoon.
Can you shrink wrap a boat?
It doesn’t matter how well you wrap up your boat if you leave it without circulating air. Air vents installed into the shrink wrap can allow air to pass through the material and prevent mold and mildew that come from moisture build up.
Can you wrap a pontoon boat?
There are lots of options on the market, and some are even intended specifically for pontoon boats like those from Dr Shrink. Consider the size of your boat including the side panels, since you want your wrap to drape over the sides just above the tubes.
Can you shrink wrap a boat without a heat gun?
Of course, you’re not going to get anywhere shrink wrapping your boat without a heat gun. There are loads of options on the market, but the best heat gun for shrink wrapping boats should have a long enough power cord to let you move freely as you work.
When to use preservation tape?
When everything is nice and shrunk, you can go ahead and apply preservation tape. Pay close attention to any seams or areas that you think are particularly stretched and prone to tearing. The tape should improve the material’s resilience and keep the wrap intact throughout the cold winter months.
Can you tighten boat straps with your hands?
You won’t be able to tighten those straps with your bare hands. A tensioning tool can help you pull up the straps so they hold the film taut against your boat, ensuring a perfect fit.
Can you use special tape on a boat?
Not just any tape will do. Specialized preservation tape can go on holes to patch up any rips and tears in the material. But it also works well to reinforce seams and prevent tearing while the boat is in storage.
Why Even Do It?
Maybe you think that both the professional and DIY costs are too much and not worth the investment. So let me summarize what shrink wrap is good for so that you can decide if you want to go ahead with the purchase or not.
How much does it cost to shrink wrap a boat?
So what is the average cost to shrink wrap a boat per foot? For powerboats, it will cost between $12 - $25 per foot on average. For sailboats, it will cost between $12 - $25 per foot on average. For sailboats, expect a $2 - $3 dollar price increase if you leave the mast up.
How much does it cost to add vents to shrink wrap?
To continue along the same lines - you might also want to add vents to the shrink wrap, expect to pay approximately 4 dollars for each. A small price to pay for mold prevention.
How much does a boat cost per foot?
So if your boat is around the twenty to thirty feet mark, the price will start at approximately 12 dollars per foot. If you have a fifty footer, the price per foot will likely be around 25 dollars.
Why do boats need shrink wrap?
Shrink-wrap quite simply protects your boat from rain, UV rays and, if you live in a cold area, snow. Plus it does so in a way that after you are done with it, there is no extra maintenance needed.
How much does it cost to put moisture bags on a boat?
Or if your boat has a large cabin, you might want to put in more moisture bags, which will also raise the overall cost. Expect around 8 dollars per one.
Why is the price spread so high?
The most obvious reason for the price spread is that the longer the boat, the wider it is. Regardless of whether we are talking about a cruiser or a racer, it makes sense that a twenty feet boat will have a smaller beam than a fifty footer. Thus the price per foot exponentially increases as does the boat length.
How long does it take to wrap a boat?
12: With one or two people working, a medium sized boat can be wrapped from the waterline to the rub-rail in a matter of hours. The investment of a color or pattern change can be relatively economical and time efficient. Get on YouTube and watch several different boat wrap projects to be sure you are comfortable with the process.
How long does vinyl boat wrap last?
2: Vinyl boat wrap life expectancy is generally 7 years if it doesn’t get damaged. With that said I know of boats that have had their wrap on longer than this and it still looks great.
What is a vinyl boat wrap?
1: A vinyl boat wrap will protect the boat’s original paint/gelcoat finish. You won’t get UV damage to the original finish and the vinyl will also help protect from minor scratches to the original finish as well.
How much does it cost to wrap a boat?
Good thing that the materials have gotten easier to work with for non-professionals, because hiring a vinyl boat wrap done for a stock solid color on the side of your hull can be between $60 and $150 per foot of boat.
Why are boats wrapped in vinyl?
Boats are being vinyl wrapped more often as the cost and simplicity of the process has gotten better. As the vinyl wrap material has improved, many boats can be wrapped by their owners. Many different designs of vinyl wrap are very affordable on Amazon, Ebay, and many other websites, then shipped right to your door.
Why are boats easier to wrap than cars?
Boats are generally easier to wrap than cars, because boats don’t have many complex or compounding curves. A car on the other hand has many difficult curves that require significant stretching of the vinyl.
What to do if you have glue residue on your boat?
If you are left with glue residue on the boat, you could use a chemical to remove it. The problem is, this can take a long time depending on the type of adhesive that was used. There is another option. The 3M Stripe Off Wheel and arbor, with part number 07498. (Buy it on Amazon with the link)
