Boat Shrink Wrap Instructions
Shrink wrapping is a wise idea to keep winter moisture out of your boat while it is in storage. Shrink wrapping should only be applied after the rest of the boat has been winterized, including draining the engine block, speedometer tubes and any other accessories of water. Additionally, only boats that are stored out of water should be shrink wrapped, as shrink wrapping will not only keep moisture out but will also keep any existing moisture from escaping.
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Things You'll Need
- Shrink wrapping kit
- Heat gun
- Ladder
- Support poles
- Bow supports
- Cloth rags or foam
- Fire extinguisher
Instructions
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Wrap any sharp corners with cloth rags or foam pieces. This will keep the corners from cutting through the plastic wrapping.
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Place the support poles in areas that may be subject to drooping. This will keep snow and ice from accumulating on top of the boat. If the area is large enough, use flexible bow supports across the width of the boat to create an arch-like support frame.
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Drape the plastic sheeting over the boat. Do not allow the sheet near the ground as dirt and dust can be picked up by static electricity. Wrap the belly bands along the side of the boat under the rub rail and pull them tight.
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Apply heat from the heat gun along the bottom of the shrink wrap, beginning at one end of the boat. Work your way around the boat, making sure to get a good seal around the rub rail.
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Work the heat gun up the boat, being careful not to apply too much heat to any areas.
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Inspect the shrink wrapping when you are finished to make sure there are no holes. If you find any, you can patch them using shrink wrap tape which is made out of the same material as the shrink wrap itself. This has an adhesive that must be rubbed free of bubbles.
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Tips & Warnings
Shrink wrapping can burst into flame if too much heat is applied. It can cause ignition if it drops onto a flammable surface. Be very careful to limit the amount of heat that is applied.
References
- Photo Credit winter mooring image by Keith Nolan from Fotolia.com
