Gather Necessary Materials
Before you begin the process of shrink wrapping your boat, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary materials. The last thing you want is to start the job only to realize that you don’t have everything you need to complete it. Here is a list of the items you will need:
- A roll of shrink wrap – this is the most important component of the process. You will need enough shrink wrap to cover your entire boat, so make sure you purchase enough for the job.
- A heat gun – a heat gun is required to shrink the wrap around your boat. Make sure you have a gun that is powerful enough to get the job done.
- A support system – you will need some sort of support system under the boat to keep the shrink wrap from touching the hull. This can be a frame made of PVC pipes or wood that is specially designed for this purpose.
- A knife or scissors – you will need a sharp knife or scissors to cut the shrink wrap to the correct size and shape.
- A tape measure – you will need to measure your boat to determine how much shrink wrap you will need.
- A ladder – depending on the size of your boat, you may need a ladder to reach certain areas when wrapping your boat.
Once you have gathered all of the necessary materials, you are ready to begin the process of shrink wrapping your boat. It is important to take your time and follow the steps carefully to ensure that the wrap is applied correctly and efficiently.
Wrap the Boat
Now that you have all the necessary materials and equipment, it’s time to start the actual shrinking process. The first step is to lay the shrink wrap in a position where it can be easily pulled over the boat. Unfold the shrink wrap slowly and carefully, making sure that none of the plastic gets tangled or rips.
Once the entire roll of shrink wrap is laid out flat, it’s time to start wrapping the boat. Begin at the bow and slowly work your way towards the stern. Use a heat gun to shrink the plastic as you go along, but be careful not to damage the boat or any of the equipment that is already on it.
As you wrap, make sure that the plastic is pulled tightly over every part of the boat, especially around curves and corners. It’s important that there are no loose or sagging areas, as this can cause water or snow to collect and potentially cause damage to the boat over time.
Keep in mind that it’s best to use the largest piece of shrink wrap possible to cover your entire boat. However, if your boat is too large to be covered with a single piece of shrink wrap, you can use multiple pieces to cover it. Simply overlap the edges of each piece and use heat to seal them together.
When you’ve completely wrapped your boat in shrink wrap, you’ll need to trim off excess material. Use a sharp knife or scissors to neatly cut away any areas of the plastic that may be bunched up or hanging off the edge of the boat.
Finally, make sure you heat all the seams and any overlapping of the shrink wrap plastic that could potentially let moisture seep through. Do not overheat the plastic as that may damage the boat.
Following these simple steps, your boat will be perfectly wrapped and protected from any weather-related damage throughout the off-season.
Secure the Wrap
After you have wrapped your boat, the next step is to ensure that it remains secure throughout the transportation process. Failure to secure the wrap can cause it to come loose, defeating the purpose of shrink wrapping in the first place. Here are some tips on how to secure the wrap:
Fix the Wrap using Strapping Tape
Using strapping tape is the most efficient way to fix the wrap in place. Ensure that there are no loose areas, especially around the sides and sharp edges, as these are vulnerable to tears. Apply the strapping tape under the boat’s hull and over the top of the wrap. This will hold the wrap in place and prevent it from coming loose or flapping in the wind.
Seal any Holes or Edges with Heat-Resistant Tape
If you notice any holes or edges in the wrap, use heat-resistant tape to seal them. This is crucial to prevent moisture from entering and causing damage to the boat. Ensure that you use a high-quality heat-resistant tape that can withstand the harsh marine environments. Start by cleaning the area around the hole or edge using a solvent and allow it to dry completely. Apply the heat-resistant tape firmly over the hole or edge, ensuring that it adheres firmly.
Secure the Boat using Ratchet Straps
After fixing the wrap in place, secure the boat using ratchet straps. The straps should be placed around the boat, including across the hull, around the bow, and over the wrap. Ensure that the straps are tightened enough to prevent the boat from moving during transport. However, take care not to over-tighten the straps, as this can cause damage to the boat. Also, ensure that the straps do not interfere with the wrap.
Remove any Protrusions or Loose Items
Before transport, remove any protrusions or loose items from the boat. This includes antennas, bimini tops, fishing poles, cushions, and anything that might rip or tear the wrap during transport. Secure any loose items that need to be transported with the boat separately to avoid damaging the wrap.
Securing your boat wrap is essential to keep your boat safe during transport. Use these tips to ensure that your boat remains secure, even in transit. By following these steps, you can guarantee that your boat will arrive at its destination in top condition, with the wrap still intact.
Shrink the Wrap
After carefully wrapping your boat with shrink wrap material, the next step is to shrink the material properly. This ensures that the material conforms tightly to your boat’s shape and structure, making it airtight, waterproof, and resistant to harsh weather conditions. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to shrink your boat’s wrap to perfection:
Step 1: Prepare the Heat Gun
Before you begin, ensure that your heat gun is in good working condition with no defect. It is essential to use a heat gun that is designed explicitly for shrinking wrap to do this job correctly. Place the heat gun on a flat surface, and plug it in. You can use an extension cord if necessary, but ensure that it is heavy-duty and can handle the heat gun’s power requirements.
Step 2: Turn the Heat Gun On
After plugging in the heat gun, turn it on to begin heating up. Make sure that you take necessary precautions to avoid injury. Wearing heat-resistant gloves and safety glasses is recommended.
Step 3: Begin Shrinking the Wrap
Starting at the front of your boat, move the heat gun back and forth across the shrink wrap using smooth, even movements. Hold the heat gun about six inches away from the wrap and move it slowly to prevent overheating any particular area of the material. Continue the process over the entire wrapped area of the boat, paying particular attention to corners and edges to avoid creating wrinkles in the wrap. When working on large areas, use a sweeping motion to heat up a broad area. Repeat this process for the entire wrap, including any access holes you made for ventilation purposes.
Step 4: Check the Wrap
After applying heat to the boat’s entire covered area, thoroughly check the shrink wrap for any overlooked areas or bubbles. If you find any wrinkles or bubbles, repeat the process until the wrap is entirely smooth and secure. When finished, inspect the entire boat, ensuring that there are no gaps between the boat and the wrap. Any gaps may allow moisture to seep in and could cause damage during shipping or storage.
Shrinking the wrap is an essential step in the boat wrapping process. By following the above steps, you can ensure that you have an airtight, waterproof, and durable covering that will protect your boat from the elements during transport or storage. A well-installed shrink wrap also reduces any damages or unnecessary wear and tear to the boat’s surfaces from the weather elements it may face.
Inspect the Wrap
Once you’ve finished applying the shrink wrap to your boat, you’ll need to inspect the entire surface of the wrap for any loose points, holes, or punctures. Before you can safely trailer or store the boat, you want to ensure there are no areas that have been left unsealed to prevent moisture and pests from entering the vessel.
The inspection process is essential to ensure that the boat is well protected and that there will be no damage to it during transportation or storage. This inspection should be done after the application process is complete, and before the boat is put away for the season.
It’s not uncommon to find small holes or loose spots in the shrink wrap covering the boat. These could be a result of poor application techniques or damage caused during transportation. Identify these issues as soon as possible, so you can fix them before they become bigger problems that could damage your boat.
If you do notice any issues with the wrapping material, seal these areas immediately. This can be done by using heat to tighten the wrap, using a heat gun, and a patch. You can also use shrink wrap tape to cover and seal any holes or loose spots, using a heat gun to shrink the tape and bond it to the cover.
Inspecting the wrap is important for more than just ensuring that your boat is well-protected from the elements. Inspecting the shrink wrap can also provide an opportunity to identify potential issues with the vessel. For example, if you notice a tear or puncture in the wrap that isn’t related to poor application, it could indicate a deeper issue with the boat itself that you need to address before storing or transporting it.
Overall, inspecting the shrink wrap once it’s in place can go a long way in preventing any potential damages while transporting or storing the boat. Keep in mind that the longer the wrap is left exposed, the more likely it is that damage will occur to your vessel.
