Boat Shrink Wrap Supplies

Shrink wrapping your boat yourself is a great way to save a considerable amount of money over time. Shrink wrapping is something that the average DIYer can take on! There is still some cost associated with the equipment needed to wrap your boat, but in the long run, the savings add up.

The marine shrink wrap material itself is something you will have to pay for every time, as it is a single-use product. You will need to pick out your shrink wrap thickness according to the climate where the boat is stored, and whether you might move the boat while it is wrapped. Read More

If you’re in an area that gets a high snow load, you might want to go thicker with your wrap. If you’re going to transport the boat while wrapped, you will also want to go thicker. If you’re in a mild climate, and the boat won’t move over the winter months, you can probably get away with thinner boat shrink wrap.

Once you pick out your desired thickness, you need to calculate the amount of wrap you need. For this, you will need to get a few measurements. The first measurement should be from the rub rail to the center of the highest point of your boat. After that measurement, measure below the rub rail, to the waterline of your boat. To get the amount of wrap you would need, add the distance above the rub rail, to the distance below the rub rail to the waterline, and multiply it by two. It is recommended to add a foot or two on either side so you can tuck and fuse the wrap.

In addition to the wrap, you’re going to have to buy a perimeter strap to secure the shrink wrap to your boat. To measure for this, measure the length of your boat, multiply it by two, and add in the width of your transom.

Another thing to consider is how you might pad sharp corners on your boat. Shrink wrap is susceptible to cuts and abrasion, so wrapping over sharp edges can fail unless it is protected by putting a foam cover over corners and edges.

The last thing to consider is the heat gun you’re going to use to shrink wrap your boat! To do the job quickly and efficiently, a propane heat gun should be used. Most propane heat guns, such as the Shrinkfast 998 put out around 200,000 BTU, making quick work of your wrap!

Shrink wrapping can be a great option for protecting your boat, and Boat Outfitters has you covered for all of your shrink-wrapping tools and materials.

Although shrink wrapping is great for most boats, it is important to cover the alternatives. The most popular alternative is a custom-made canvas boat cover. A quality cover is more expensive upfront than even a professional shrink-wrapping job, but it can provide years and years of service, while shrink wrapping is an annual expense. A very low-budget alternative is simply using tarps to cover your boat. But tarps are difficult to attach securely and don’t hold up well to wind and snow. Read More

Shrink wrapping your boat does have its drawbacks. Shrink wrap kits have to be paid for each year. Although less expensive upfront than a cover, over the years having it professionally wrapped can get expensive. Trapped moisture in wraps can cause mold and mildew; however, this can be eliminated with properly installed vents. Finally, certain marine paints also aren’t meant to be shrink wrapped over. Check with the manufacturer of your finish if it’s acceptable to shrink wrap over your paint.

Yes, shrink wrapping your boat does require an initial investment in supplies and tools, but it can save a lot of money in the long run. Going in together with one or a few other boat owners to split the costs and help each other wrap your boats is a great way to save even more.

Except in regions where winters are warm, such as Southern California and the Southeastern U.S., protecting a boat from the weather during the off-season is very important. Shrink wrapping is the best way to do that, aside from storing the boat indoors. Canvas covers are better than nothing but not as effective as shrink wrapping.

Yes! In general, it is a great idea to protect your boat from the elements while it is going unused for an extended period. However, some paints and finishes are not meant to be wrapped. For example, Awlgrip, a popular brand of boat paint, recommends their paints never be shrink wrapped.

That depends. Most professional shrink wrapping services say their work will last for six months. If a shrink wrapped boat is properly vented to avoid moisture buildup, though, and if nothing punctures or tears the wrap, the boat can stay shrink-wrapped indefinitely. In warm, humid climates, though, keeping a boat shrink wrapped during spring and summer can lead to mold and mildew.