Boat Winterization in Alberta - Just Tarp? Or, is Shrink Wrapping Worth it?
If your boat doesn't have a place for indoor storage and stays outside in the winter weather, you may find advantages to shrink wrapping versus your current OEM or aftermarket cover.
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Advantages of Shrink-Wrapping your Boat
Waterproof Protection
Shrink wrap material is a strong plastic that wraps tightly around every curve and surface, so the interior of your boat stays dry. It's completely resistant to moisture, so your boat stays dry through the winter weather.
No Moisture Buildup
Because properly installed shrink wrapping is completely moisture resistant, proper installation will make sure your boat is completely dry on the inside. Any condensation inside the boat can lead to mould and mildew buildup over the winter months.
Customizable
You can have your shrink wrapping altered to suit your needs. Are you planning to work on your boat? Zipper doors are sometimes offered for an additional cost.
Protects Against Critters
Shrink wrapping ensures no loose corners or gaps that mice, insects, and other little critters can use to get inside and cause damage.
Disadvantages of Shrink-Wrapping your Boat
DIY is Not Generally Recommended
Most of the disadvantages to shrink wrapping are the result of improper installation. Some boat owners turn shrink wrapping into a DIY project, but shrink wrapping is tricky and takes practice to get right. If a mistake is made, you will be unhappy after the first snowstorm.
Shrink Wrapping involves propane-fired heat guns and flammable materials. Unless you have the specific skills and the know-how in this department, it's not something you should tackle yourself.
It is an Added Cost
It's an annual expense, and any additions such as zipper doors and vents will cost extra.
It should be considered that you will not be exposing your regular cover to the elements over winter, which will help balance the cost in the long term
Tarped Boat Shrink Wrapped Boat
How Much Does Shrink Wrapping Cost?
On average, you will spend around $17 to as much as $27 per foot to have your boat shrink-wrapped. The boat's length, the width of the plastic being used, and boat towers can affect the price. A boat that is 20 feet long can cost roughly $340 to be shrink-wrapped.
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Is there Anything Wrong with Using a Tarp??
No. Covering your boat with a tarp, although not as effective as shrink wrapping, gets the job done. A good, well-supported tarp keeps leaves, debris and snow from accumulating on your boat. ...although there is a higher chance of snow building up and weighing down an area. This can cause a depression that becomes a pool of water when warm, and ice when re-frozen. This will add wear & tear to your boat cover, and can potentially lift up an edge, exposing an opening for elements or rodents to take advantage of.
Something to keep in mind:
If your current boat tarp is a few years old, inspect it for tears and seams that look like they could tear over winter. In the event of a tear in the tarp, you can repair it.
To Shrink Wrap or Not to Shrink Wrap
It's ultimately your choice how you would like to keep your boat safe during the winter months. For older boats, shrink wrapping may not be worth the expense. But for newer boats or higher value boats, shrink wrapping can keep your boat in great shape, extending its life span and rewarding you with peace of mind.
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