Winter Shrink Wrap ? Why?

[Hoodsail]

Ditch the shrink wrap...canvas cover whether mast up/down here in CT (northeast USA) is lasting me 10 yrs, so cost ($2000-3500) amortized overall is minimal. Cover protects gelcoat against additional sun damage, water accumulation that could freeze and lead to delamination. More importantly, it gives me an excuse to visit my boat frequently during the Winter! thnks

[Shrew]

Originally Posted by jbinbi

Reviving this thread. New boat. No real wood. Up in New England, so definitely get snow and cold weather, though boat yards are on the bay where that is moderated a bit as the water never freezes.

I always figured that you don't cover your boat in the summer where the rain and the sun are beating down on it. So is it a big deal if the cockpit fills up with snow then melts and freezes? I have fake teak there. Biggest issue might be winch where water could collect and freeze? The boom is exposed, but don't think that is a big deal?

Shrinkwrap is 27/ft at my yard this winter, so about 900 for my 33' boat. Don't like the cost, but HATE that I am using a ton of plastic that I really don't know how recyclable it is. I make people bring water bottles on my boat in the summer rather using plastic store bought water, I feel quite hypocritical using a ton of plastic shrink wrap UNLESS it is really helping.

Is it really helping my boat?

Yes. For all the reasons listed in the previous posts.

You could listen to the collective voices all saying yes. Or, you could find the one or two opinions telling you what you want to hear.

[AKA-None]

Leaves blow into your cockpit
Snow falls
Snow melts
Water can’t leave

Just one failure mode

[S/V Illusion]

Originally Posted by jbinbi

Reviving this thread. New boat. No real wood. Up in New England, so definitely get snow and cold weather, though boat yards are on the bay where that is moderated a bit as the water never freezes.

I always figured that you don't cover your boat in the summer where the rain and the sun are beating down on it. So is it a big deal if the cockpit fills up with snow then melts and freezes? I have fake teak there. Biggest issue might be winch where water could collect and freeze? The boom is exposed, but don't think that is a big deal?

Shrinkwrap is 27/ft at my yard this winter, so about 900 for my 33' boat. Don't like the cost, but HATE that I am using a ton of plastic that I really don't know how recyclable it is. I make people bring water bottles on my boat in the summer rather using plastic store bought water, I feel quite hypocritical using a ton of plastic shrink wrap UNLESS it is really helping.

Is it really helping my boat?

Yes. Boats have seams, cracks, recesses and void spaces, all of which can collect and trap water which when it freezes will cause damage. The biggest mistake boaters make in cold climates is to inadequately protect their boat.

There are non-plastic covers to state the obvious.

I understand no one likes to waste money but it’s about value, not just cost. The value of a durable cover far exceeds the cost.

[boatpoker]

Ship happens. We are being forced by circumstance to once again winter in Canada. I just ordered our shrink wrap for our 38' boat at $140.00 Cdn ( I think thats about $12.95 US )

We do the job ourselves, it ain't hard.

[Scorpius]

Use tarps or get a canvas cover made. In the long run its cheaper than shrink wrap.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Scorpius

Use tarps or get a canvas cover made. In the long run its cheaper than shrink wrap.

I have seen hundreds of flapping tarps wear through gelcoat and paint and have investigated about 50 damage claims for same.

[NYSail]

The Shri l wrap made me sick it was such a total waste not only at $700+ per year but the garbage. Bought a great cover from Northport canvas for under $3,000 for my 43 foot boat. No frame….. stores relatively easy. On year 6….. paid for itself plus…..

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by NYSail

The Shri l wrap made me sick it was such a total waste not only at $700+ per year but the garbage. Bought a great cover from Northport canvas for under $3,000 for my 43 foot boat. No frame….. stores relatively easy. On year 6….. paid for itself plus…..

That would take me 21 years, not 6.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

We do the job ourselves, it ain't hard.

Some of the yards where we have stored don't allow boat owners to apply shrink wrap. The stated reason is the risk of fire and the hazard that poses to other boats.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by Scorpius

Use tarps or get a canvas cover made. In the long run its cheaper than shrink wrap.

I have used tarps once or twice. It's difficult to fasten them in a way that will keep them in place an entire season, and it's difficult to get them to shed water and snow.

[NYSail]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

That would take me 21 years, not 6.

Well economy of scale……. All relative. How big is your boat. At some point when you have money you have it stored in a heated garage with no wrap

[rslifkin]

I've seen tarps done well, but it's not easy. It requires very good framing to support the tarps, careful placement, good tie downs, etc. And frequent checks throughout the winter to make sure nothing is moving (and correct if anything has changed).

[Mike OReilly]

Another vote for a quality cavas cover. We’re onto our second one for this boat. The previous one lasted 12 years, including 2 1/2 Covid years (on for 900+ days continuously). Not cheap, but less expensive after about 5 years use, and avoids all that waste.

I have used cheapo tarps on a previous boat. I found the key to success was to have a frame that flexed with the conditions. I used plastic conduit.

[cymeyer]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

Another vote for a quality cavas cover. We’re onto our second one for this boat. The previous one lasted 12 years, including 2 1/2 Covid years (on for 900+ days continuously). Not cheap, but less expensive after about 5 years use, and avoids all that waste.

I have used cheapo tarps on a previous boat. I found the key to success was to have a frame that flexed with the conditions. I used plastic conduit.

Totally agree that canvas covers make sense. Very economical and provide better protection. Easier access when needed during the winter.