Shrink Film

HOW TO SHRINK WRAP YOUR BOAT
Shrink wrap systems use a plastic film, typically made of PVC, Polyolefin, or polyethylene. There are special shrink wrap films to shrink wrap your boat. These films are heavy duty and the idea is to protect your boat when it is stored during cold winters. You can also shrink wrap your boat to protect it from long periods in warm weather.
Learning how to shrink wrap your boat is one of the most important steps to take in order to keep your boat in the best possible shape. Leaving your boat out in the elements is not a good idea because some weather conditions can be very damaging.
These films come in blue, white or clear and a special chemical in the polyethylene film keeps them soft, flexible and protects them from breaking down in UV light. With the right training and equipment you can shrink wrap your boat very fast.
The plastic film is heated to conform to the shape of the boat. When installed with a proper slope profile it will be possible to ensure that any heavy rain and even snow and ice will actually run or simply slide off your well-protected shrink wrapped boat. When you shrink wrap your boat no surface damage of your boat will occur. The shrink wrapping material will not chafe or in any other way damage the parts of your boat that it is protecting.
If you are going to shrink wrap your boat, take into consideration that this is a big job, so it is a good idea to have a couple of friends there to help you.
To shrink wrap your boat, you will need the following tools and materials: an installation kit, support poles, bubble wrap, a heat gun, a ladder and goggles. It is a good idea to use bubble wrap as padding for your boat's sharp corners. When you shrink wrap your boat there are areas in your boat that can puncture the shrink wrap. Place support poles throughout your boat and attach strapping lines to the poles. It is important that the poles and the lines are sturdy enough to support the pressure from the shrink wrap. Make sure to secure the lines to the bow, stern and sides of the boat.
To start to shrink wrap your boat stand on one end of your boat and hold the shrink wrap while a friend unrolls it. Remember that shrink wrap has static electricity, therefore the shrink wrap should not touch the ground because it can attract dirt and debris. The shrink wrap should come down right above your boat's waterline. Apply the shrink wrap to the entire boat and after this is done, use the heat gun to heat the shrink wrap. The shrink wrap will tighten over the support poles and to the sides, front and back of your boat. If you want to shrink wrap your boat perfectly, start from the bow of your boat and heat the wrap from the waterline upward. It is a good idea to move your heat gun in sweeping motions to secure the shrink wrap properly. Use the ladder to get to the higher places of your boat and use the same method to shrink wrap the top of your boat’s structure. Walk the entire boat to check for any accidental holes you might have left. If you find holes, then patch them with patching tape. The patching tape is usually included in the shrink wrap kit. It is also a good idea to install a few self adhesive vents so that you can keep out any mold or mildew.
The best time and conditions to shrink wrap your boat is when you have a clear day with the lightest winds possible. Do not do it if it is breezy or raining even slightly, it is better to postpone it for another day. It is important to wait for a period of calm and sunny weather. Everything has to dry out before you start to shrink wrap your boat.
If you decide to shrink wrap your boat, always use the equipment and the tools in accordance with the suppliers or manufacturer directions. This is to ensure that you have no problems and that the wrapping is effective and durable for the full protection of your boat.