Protecting your boat during off-season months is crucial to maintain its condition and value. Shrink wrap for boats is a popular and effective method for safeguarding vessels from weather, dust, and UV damage. Below is a comprehensive guide featuring some of the best DIY shrink wrap products for boats, including films, tapes, and accessories, designed for easy use at home. Each option provides durable protection and helps extend your boat’s lifespan during storage.
| Product | Brand | Key Features | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| FPS – Polyethylene Plastic Shrink Wrap – White | Farm Plastic Supply | 7 mil thickness, UV resistant, durable LLDPE material | 14′ x 50′ |
| VBS – Polyethylene Plastic Shrink Wrap – White | Generic | 7 mil thickness, UV resistant, permeable-resistant | 20′ x 30′ |
| ArmorDillo Poly Shrink Wrap Tape | ArmorDillo | Heavy-duty, waterproof, UV protection | 2″ x 180 ft |
| Dr. Shrink DS-SWK Complete Shrink Wrap Kit | Dr. Shrink | Includes film, tape, strapping, vents, cutters | Runs up to 24′ boats |
| Mr. Shrinkwrap 1/2″ x 500′ Poly Strapping Cord | Mr. Shrinkwrap | 600lbs tensile strength, cross-woven polyester | 1/2″ x 500′ |
FPS Polyethylene Boat Shrink Wrap – 7 mil, White 14′ x 50′
The FPS Polyethylene Plastic Shrink Wrap comes in a 7 mil thickness roll measuring 14 feet by 50 feet, offering excellent coverage for smaller to medium-sized boats. Made from Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), this shrink wrap is durable and resistant to tears. It features UV-resistant additives that help protect the wrap from sun damage for up to one year, making it ideal for long-term outdoor storage. The film is impermeable to moisture and dust, helping maintain your boat’s condition during winter or off-season periods.
VBS Polyethylene Shrink Wrap – White 7 mil 20′ x 30′
This VBS Polyethylene Shrink Wrap is a robust 7 mil thick white film measuring 20 feet by 30 feet, perfect for those needing more surface area coverage. The material is also made from LLDPE, ensuring flexibility and high durability. With engineered UV resistance, this wrap helps combat aging and brittleness from sunlight exposure. Its impermeability blocks moisture and air, giving an airtight layer around boats or Jetskis for winterization or long-term storage.
ArmorDillo Poly Shrink Wrap Tape with UVI Protection
ArmorDillo shrink wrap tape is a vital accessory for any boat shrink wrap project. Measuring 2 inches wide by 180 feet long, this heavy-duty polyethylene tape is made for securing seams, sealing patches, and reinforcing shrink wrap. It offers consistent waterproof protection and extended UV stability which helps prevent tape degradation. This tape creates a robust, weatherproof seal to guard boats, RVs, or other equipment from environmental damage.
Dr. Shrink DS-SWK Shrink Wrap Kit for Runabouts & Pontoons
The Dr. Shrink kit is an all-in-one package designed for boats up to 24 feet in length like runabouts and pontoon boats. It includes everything needed to complete a successful shrink wrap job: shrink wrap film, tape, woven cord strapping, buckles, cutters, and weather-tight self-adhesive vents to reduce moisture accumulation. This comprehensive kit is a convenient solution for DIY boat owners who want balanced protection and ease of installation without sourcing multiple components separately.
Mr. Shrinkwrap Cross Woven Polyester Strapping Cord
This Mr. Shrinkwrap strapping cord plays a crucial role in the shrink wrapping process, functioning similarly to a belt that securely holds shrink wrap in place. The 1/2 inch wide cross-woven polyester strap offers a high tensile strength of 600 lbs, ensuring stability during tight installations. It is also flexible enough to assist in easily pulling the shrink wrap over boat surfaces. Available in multiple sizes and widths, it provides customizable support for both perimeter and center strapping on larger boats.
Buying Guide for DIY Boat Shrink Wrap
Thickness and Durability
For boat shrink wrap, a thickness between 6 to 7 mil is recommended for balancing protection and manageability. Thicker films offer better puncture resistance and longevity but can be heavier and harder to handle. Look for Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) materials, known for flexibility and durability.
UV Resistance
UV protection additives extend the life of shrink wrap when exposed to sunlight. A wrap with a one-year UV protection rating will resist cracking, discoloration, and brittleness, maintaining the package integrity throughout harsh winter months.
Size and Coverage
Measure your boat accurately, including length, width, and height. Choose a film size that allows enough extra material for full coverage and shrinkage during heat application. Rolls vary in dimensions, so select accordingly to minimize seams and overlaps.
Accessories: Tape, Strapping, and Vents
Complete your DIY project with compatible shrink wrap tape designed for strong, waterproof seals. Use polyester strapping cords to anchor the wrap securely, distributing tension evenly. Consider kits that include vents to allow trapped moisture to escape, preventing mold and mildew growth beneath the wrap.
Ease of Installation
Some products come as kits providing all essentials for beginners, while separate film rolls require additional purchases and equipment such as a heat gun. Consider your experience level and equipment availability before purchase to ensure a smooth installation.
Color Options
Most shrink wraps come in white, but options in blue are available. White is ideal for reflecting sunlight, reducing heat buildup, whereas blue can offer aesthetic preferences. Color does not typically affect performance.