How to Shrink Wrap a Boat?

Pre-start checks & padding

Pad sharp edges and protect any delicate items which might be damaged by shrink wrapping. Seal hull fuel vents (they will be pushed through cover later on). Turn off any gas bottles inside the boat.

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Fit webbing support structure & perimeter band

For larger boats, create a webbing / strapping support structure for the shrink wrap, over the bow, flybridge or cockpit areas to create strength and stop water from pooling.

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Spread shrink wrap & weld it around perimeter band

Unroll and unfold shrink wrap film. Place the shrink wrap film at the stern of the boat. Pull the shrink wrap up and over the boat to the bow. The shrink wrap needs to be wide enough to go over the highest point of the boat and down to the perimeter band on each side with an extra 30cm / 1ft to wrap around the perimeter band. Cut wrap from the roll.

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Weld folds / pleats & shrink the cover ‘drum tight’

Because a boat is a complex shape, there will be parts of the shrink wrap cover (particularly at the bow and the stern) where the shrink wrap must be trimmed, folded and heat sealed. After that begin applying heat at the bottom of the cover at the stern and shrink up to the rub rail. Starting at the bottom of the cover allows the heat to rise and helps you shrink more quickly. Next, shrink the top of the cover.

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Fitting air vents & zipped access (if required)

When the cover is completely shrunk, check for burn or puncture holes in the cover. Repair using shrink wrap tape. Air vents are recommended if the boat is to be stored whilst shrink wrapped. Tape the zipped access door into position on the finished shrink wrap cover. Open the zipper and use your safety knife to carefully cut the shrink wrap away. Note: Once all hot work (i.e. heat welding and shrinking is finished), remember to remove tape from fuel vent.