As the boating season comes to a close and the cooler months approach, it's essential to prepare your boat for winter. Properly winterizing your vessel will protect it from the harsh elements, extend its lifespan, and save you costly repairs down the line. One of the most effective methods for winter storage is wrapping your boat in plastic shrink wrap. In this blog, we'll guide you through the reasons why plastic wrap is a top choice for winterization, how to do it, and some useful tips for best results.
Why Choose Plastic Wrap for Winterizing?
Plastic shrink wrap is a durable, waterproof material designed to protect boats from moisture, UV rays, debris, and other environmental factors. It provides an airtight seal around the boat, preventing rust, mold, and other types of damage that can occur during the off-season.
Benefits of Shrink Wrapping:
- Protection from Weather: The wrap keeps rain, snow, and ice from penetrating your boat’s interior and exterior.
- UV Ray Protection: Even in the winter, UV rays can fade the boat’s finish. Shrink wrap blocks these rays, preserving the boat’s paint and surfaces.
- Custom Fit: The wrap conforms to your boat’s shape, creating a tight, sealed cover that won’t blow away in heavy winds.
- Cost-Effective: While it requires some investment, shrink wrapping is an affordable alternative to indoor storage and provides superior protection compared to tarps.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Before you start wrapping your boat, gather the following tools and materials:
- Plastic Shrink Wrap: Choose marine-grade shrink wrap that’s thick enough to withstand wind and snow.
- Heat Gun: This is essential for shrinking the wrap to fit tightly around the boat.
- Support Poles: These will help create a slope to prevent water or snow from accumulating on the surface of the wrap.
- Shrink Wrap Tape: To seal any seams and ensure a watertight fit.
- Ventilation Caps: To avoid moisture buildup, you’ll need to install vents.
- Safety Gear: Heat gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself while using the heat gun.
Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing with Plastic Wrap
Step 1: Clean Your Boat
Before wrapping, clean the boat thoroughly, both inside and out. Remove any water, dirt, and debris. Clean the deck, cabin, and storage areas. Drain the bilge and make sure the boat is completely dry to prevent mold growth during storage.
Step 2: Remove or Secure Loose Items
Take out any valuables, electronics, and personal items. Anything that could shift around or be damaged by moisture should be removed. For larger items you plan to leave, secure them tightly to avoid movement during winter storage.
Step 3: Set Up Support Poles and Strapping
Install support poles along the center of the boat’s deck. These poles create a tent-like structure that allows water and snow to slide off the wrap instead of pooling. Attach strapping between the poles to help distribute the tension evenly across the boat.
Step 4: Apply the Shrink Wrap
Drape the shrink wrap over the boat, ensuring it covers the hull and any raised areas. Make sure there is enough excess material to wrap beneath the boat's rub rail. Use the heat gun to gradually heat the wrap, starting from the bottom and working your way up. This process will shrink the wrap and conform it to the boat’s shape.
Pro Tip: Keep the heat gun moving to avoid burning or melting holes in the plastic.
Step 5: Secure and Tape the Edges
Once the wrap has been shrunk to fit tightly, secure the bottom by wrapping it under the boat’s rub rail and taping it in place with shrink wrap tape. Double-check for any gaps or loose edges and apply tape as needed.
Step 6: Install Ventilation Caps
To prevent moisture buildup, install ventilation caps in various sections of the boat wrap. These vents ensure that any condensation that forms can escape, reducing the risk of mold or mildew inside the boat.
Step 7: Perform a Final Inspection
After the wrap is fully secured, inspect the entire boat to ensure the shrink wrap is tight and secure. Check for any gaps, holes, or weak spots that might need reinforcement. If you notice any sagging areas, add more support poles or straps.
Winterizing Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Use High-Quality Shrink Wrap: While it might be tempting to cut costs, using cheaper materials can result in a flimsy wrap that tears easily.
- Don’t Skip the Vents: Ventilation is crucial to preventing mold and mildew growth. Even though your boat is wrapped, it still needs air circulation.
- Be Cautious with the Heat Gun: Overheating the wrap can cause it to melt or weaken. Keep the gun moving in steady, sweeping motions to avoid damaging the material.
- Check on Your Boat Periodically: Throughout the winter, check on your boat to ensure the wrap remains intact, especially after storms or heavy snowfall.
- Cover Sharp Edges: Any sharp corners or metal fittings on your boat should be padded or covered to prevent them from puncturing the wrap.
Conclusion
Winterizing your boat with plastic shrink wrap is one of the best ways to ensure it stays in top condition during the offseason. With proper care and attention to detail, you can protect your investment from the harsh winter elements and avoid costly repairs come spring. By following this guide, you'll have your boat wrapped securely and ready for winter storage.
If you have any questions or need assistance with shrink wrapping your boat, feel free to contact Opah Gear for advice on the best materials and techniques to use.