How to shrink wrap pontoon boat ?

[Bigbobcat]

Help !
I would like to know how to shrink wrap a pontoon boat ?
- Do I need to build a frame ?
- If no frame to support, will the snow be too heavy and collapse the shrink wrap ?
- Where to buy the shrink wrap ? How to shrink wrap it ? Use hair dryer ?
- What does a shrink wrap look like ? Does it look like a big plastic bag, then cover the whole pontoon boat ? I saw some white shrink wrap covering the whole boat !

Thanks !

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: How to shrink wrap pontoon boat ?

Don't think you'd need a frame but a good idea to support the center points of the film. I don't know where to get it but the how to do info is all over You Tube (search for Shrink Wrap Boat) and there are a bunch of videos. Here's an example:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkRM-tFoNiA

Note that they use a torch/propane gun to heat the wrap. Might be cheaper to either have a marina do it or consider a frame and heavy tarps to protect it from the weather as well.

Many folks chose that route because once you've spent the $$$ on the materials for the frame and tarp, you can re-use it each year instead of hundreds of $$$ each year at the marina. Really comes down to your comfortable level.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How to shrink wrap pontoon boat ?

using pvc pipe makes a really good frame, rather than glue it together, you drill a hole in the fittings and put a small screw in hold it. then you can take it apart to store it in the boating season.

 

[Bigbobcat]

Re: How to shrink wrap pontoon boat ?

Hi,
For PVC frame, what shape do people make ?
Something like this: >---< (top view), the > and < give support for the horizontal frame
Or something simple like this: \____/ (side view but upside down) ? In this case, how do people make the frame to STAND UP ?
Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How to shrink wrap pontoon boat ?

you could put legs on it to go down to the deck, so the tarp will just go over the rails.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: How to shrink wrap pontoon boat ?

Here's another thread with an example of a frame built on a pontoon

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=278729

 

[Bigbobcat]

Re: How to shrink wrap pontoon boat ?

Can I do a simple frame ? This is for a 20' pontoon boat.

- 1 horizontal with centre support
- 2 V supports at 2 ends of horizontal
- PVC tubes, and hopefully I can find the >-- to join the 2 supports to the horizontal

The problem: I saw on Iboats forum that the propane torch gun costs $850 ? Is it true ? They say if someone tries to use the ELECTRIC GUN, it will take them till Spring to finish the shrink wrapping, is it true ?

Also: Ventilation, how and where to put this ventilation ?

Thanks

 

[Bigbobcat]

Re: How to shrink wrap pontoon boat ?

NelsonQ's thread is too professional, the frame might take more time to do, I am not to that level yet.

I might make a frame like TashasDaddy's picture using PVC

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: How to shrink wrap pontoon boat ?

NelsonQ's thread is too professional, the frame might take more time to do, I am not to that level yet.

I might make a frame like TashasDaddy's picture using PVC

I'm like you. I built one myself and its not pretty either

 

[Bigbobcat]

Re: How to shrink wrap pontoon boat ?

And where do you buy the shrink wrap ?

 

[chrisg]

Re: How to shrink wrap pontoon boat ?

I asked the same question ( someone pointed to the tread already). I have an old boat, so Im just going to make a frame and put a good tarp over it. I can;t see spending the mony to shrink wrap it, only to rip it off and cant be re-used. your paying 300.00 each time to have this done. A good tarp and a frame will work ( a garage is best)

 

[Bigbobcat]

Re: How to shrink wrap pontoon boat ?

OK, it is a 20' pontoon boat. How to use a SINGLE PIECE of tarp to winterize it and AVOID SMALL ANIMALS FROM GETTING IN AND CHEW OUT THE UPHOLSTERY ?

- Build a frame using PVC this shape: >---<
- Drill holes and use screws instead of sealant so that the frame can be re-use every year
- Use a big SINGLE PIECE of tarp (is there tarp big enough to cover the 20' pontoon boat ?) to cover the pontoon boat
- Tarp to cover all the way to under the deck
- Tie up the tarp by looping ropes under the deck

Question:
(1) How to ensure small animals won't sneak in and chew up or make holes in my upholstery ?
(2) Do I need vent to avoid mold ?
(3) Will tarp be good enough to avoid snow/ice from damaging my upholstery, console & carpet ?
(4) Do I need double tarps ?

Thanks

 

[chrisg]

Re: How to shrink wrap pontoon boat ?

1)Here is a thread on animals:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=275111

A cat also helps.

2) And let your toon Vent. ( That way it wont be mad come spring!)
There are some threads on this topic also.

3) the furnature is made for outdoors, So I dont see an issue. And depending on how strong you make the bracing.

4) Or get a high quality tarp ( I'm going to get the HD one at HF its 29 * 16 but I figure you want that extra and tie it down.