Key Takeaways
1. Seal Your Boat for Winter: You can seal a boat for the winter by shrink wrapping it.
2. DIY vs. Professional Winterization: Professional services offer expertise, convenience and safety.
3. Schedule Boat Winterization with 918 Boats: Our team of professionals will ensure your boat is properly winterized, safeguarding your investment.
Are you ready to protect your boat from the harsh winter elements? Sealing your boat for the winter is a crucial step in making sure its lasts long and performs well. By properly wrapping your boat in shrink wrap, you can shield it from snow, ice, rain, and harmful UV rays.
Here, we give you a step by step guide to shrink wrap your boat. You’ll gain valuable tips for safeguarding your boat while avoiding mistakes.
At 918 Boats, we offer professional boat winterization services to protect your investment. Schedule your winterization appointment today and let us take care of your boat!
Why Shrink Wrap a Boat for Winter?
Shrink wrapping your boat is one of the best way to seal it for winter. It protects your boat from weather, animals and debris. Snow, hail, sleet and rain can damage your boat. Heavy downpours can negatively affect its looks.
Repeat exposure to wet weather can cause discoloration, warping and cracks. Sun damage affects uncovered boats also. Shrink wrap and tarps act as a UV protectant preventing sun bleaching.
Sealing your boat with shrink wrap keeps animals and debris out too. Like harsh weather, they can damage your boat’s interior. Using plastic wrap and tarp protects your seat cushions from rips.
One great advantage of sealing your boat is avoiding expensive repairs. Heavy rain can cause electrical problems, flooding and more. Animals can tear up your boat’s upholstery. Fixing these problems can become expensive.
Benefits of Sealing Your Boat for Winter:
- Protection from Harsh Weather: Shields your boat from snow, rain, ice, and UV rays.
- Prevents Moisture Damage: Keeps your boat’s interior dry, preventing mold, mildew, and corrosion.
- Deters Pests and Animals: Discourages animals like birds, rodents, and insects from nesting or damaging your boat.
- Reduces Cleaning Time: Protects your boat’s exterior from dirt and grime, making spring cleaning easier.
- Maintains Resale Value: Preserves your boat’s appearance and value by protecting it from the elements.
- Save Costs: Prevents costly repairs and replacements due to winter damage.
How to Shrink Wrap a Boat for Winter
Sealing your boat for the cold months starts with cleaning. Warding off dirt and debris doesn’t do much good if it’s already there. Next, we’ll create a center support. A center support creates slopes allowing snow and rain to slide off.
Afterwards, we lay the shrink wrap over the boat. Make sure it has no wrinkles. Why is this step important? It prevents water from pooling, which can weigh down the tarp or plastic wrap.
Trim off any excess plastic wrap. This will allow you to create a better seal in the next step.
Then, we should seal the edges. Water can seep under the plastic wrap especially with the help of strong winds. A heat gun helps create a tighter seal, but make sure you use a glove designed to protect your hands from the heat.
Lastly, secure the shrink wrap to the boat using straps, rope or tape.
6 Steps to Shrink Wrap a Boat
- Prepare the Boat: Thoroughly clean the boat’s exterior to remove dirt, debris, and any loose objects.
- Create a Center Support: Make a temporary support structure. Run it from the highest point on the bow to the highest point on the stern. This will help maintain the boat’s shape and prevent sagging.
- Apply Shrink Wrap: Unroll the shrink wrap and carefully drape it over the boat. Starting from the bow working your way towards the stern. Ensure the wrap is taut and free of wrinkles.
- Seal the Edges: Use heat-sealing tape to seal the edges of the shrink wrap or canvas cover. This creates a tight and waterproof barrier.
- Heat Shrink: Use a propane torch to heat the shrink wrap, causing it to shrink tightly around the boat for a custom fit. Be careful not to overheat the wrap or damage the boat’s finish.
- Secure the Wrap: Use straps or ropes to secure the shrink wrap to the boat, preventing it from shifting or tearing in windy conditions.
Follow these steps using high-quality shrink wrap materials to protect your boat during winter.
Equipment for Shrink Wrapping a Boat:
- Shrink Wrap Kit: Heavy-duty, marine shrink wrap film.
- Heat Gun: Used to heat and shrink the wrap.
- Utility Knife: For cutting the shrink wrap.
- Heavy-Duty Tape: For sealing the edges of the wrap.
- Ropes or Straps: To secure the wrap to the boat.
- Center Support Posts: To maintain the boat’s shape during the wrapping process.
- Protective Gear: Gloves, safety glasses, and a heat-resistant jacket.
DIY vs. Professional Winter Boat Wrap
While DIY winterization is possible, it requires time, knowledge, and the right tools. It comes with many risks to your health and safety as well. Using a torch gun exposes you to potential burns.
918 Boats offers expert boat winterization services in Tulsa. We use the experience we’ve gained since 2010 to protect your boat. Our experienced staff handles every aspect of the process.
From draining fluids and fogging the engine to shrink wrapping, we do it right the first time. By choosing professional winterization, you can save time, effort, and potential headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I seal a boat for the winter?
Yes! Sealing your boat for the winter is a great way to protect it from the harsh elements. However, it requires careful preparation and technique. If you’re unsure about the process, contact us at 918 Boats for professional winterization service.
How much does it cost to wrap a boat for winter?
The cost of wrapping a boat for winter varies depending on factors like its size and type. Get your custom quote from 918 Boats today!
Is it okay to leave gas in a boat over winter?
No, we do not recommend leaving gas in your boat over the winter. It can lead to fuel deterioration and gum buildup in winter storage.
Can I leave my boat outside in winter?
Outdoor storage exposes your boat to harsh weather conditions. If storing your boat outside is necessary, have your boat professionally sealed.
