Boat shrink wrap is one of the safest and most cost-effective ways to preserve watercraft against the elements during the off season. A protective shrink wrap cover provides protection against ultraviolet radiation that could crack or warp upholstery, excessive moisture that could result in mold or mildew buildup, and it keeps out bugs and other pests as well, ensuring that your boat is ready and waiting when the time comes to set sail.

To perform the boat shrink wrap packaging process, just adhere to these three easy steps:

Preliminary Work - Make sure to tape more than all fuel vents securely to prevent any possible accidents with your heat gun. Additionally, prior to starting the wrap process, it’s greatest to eliminate or place some sort of padding more than sharp or obtruding objects that might puncture your shrink wrap, like antennae or deck railing.

Shrink Wrapping - Be sure not to drag your shrink wrap film on the ground prior to application, since this can create a static buildup which will attract dirt and dust. Apply your shrink wrap more than the open portion of your boat, with lots of additional wrap left more than to drape down the sides. As soon as the wrap is in place, use your heat gun as you might use a can of spray paint or perhaps a hair dryer to “weld” the wrap in place - be sure to begin in the bottom and work your way upwards to create the most of your heat. This weld ought to wrap about the entire circumference of the boat, and once completed, make sure to apply your belly bands immediately to ensure a correct, snug fit.

Spot Check - Once you’ve completed the shrinking procedure, appear slowly more than the surface of your wrap and make sure there are no holes or punctures, since this would eliminate any advantage of the wrapping procedure. If you find a hole, use shrink wrap tape to cover it and apply a little more heat to make sure a correct weld.

For more info on boat shrink wrap as well as other product packaging tips, and to find out about other methods shrink wrap can help you save time and cash, be sure to download our comprehensive guide to mastering shrink wrap these days!

Oliver David writes articles for the Packaging Spot website and for other publications on subjects like shrink wrap packaging.