Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

[nightstalker]

I live in CT. and have to winterize my 34' Luhrs. I am trying to decide if I want to shrinkwrap the boat ($600), have a custom plastic cover made ($3000) or, simply wrap her with a large plastic pool tarp ($250). I'd like to know what others do and why.
Thanks
Nightstalker

 

[erie_guy]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

Nightstalker,

I would go with the shrink wrap and make the installer know that you want to remove it in the spring and store it for use in later years. I get 4 or 5 years out of a shrink wrap job. Make sure they allow at least 4' of extra length in the band around the gunnels and do not wrap the anchor pulpit.

After a couple of years it gets easier than you can imagine and it is certainly lighter than the custom canvas covers.

Still boating and fishin

erie_guy
Port clinton, OH

 

[Searay87]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

I sotre mine indoors so I can't really offer an opinion. I looked at this system last fall and was impressed. It's made locally in NB. Their site says it fits up to 23'. However they just might build you a custom unit or allow you to piece two together? They're a small company and if you contact them they may be able to help you out.

http://www.navigloo.com/en/index.html

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

I've done the tarp and self made structure with PVC pipe. Works great on smaller boats, more difficult as they get larger. Found the tarp didn't hold up well after 2-3 seasons from the weight of the snow. Also, I've had to replace several tie down straps which also stretched beyond form with the weight.

I'm doing the shrink wrap this year..

 

[arks]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

I have a similar boat, and each type cover has its pros and cons. Trust me, I've tried 'em all!

My boat is equipped with a custom radar mast, so you may or may not have the same issues that I have.

IMO the blue pool tarp, while the most cost-effective, is also the most hassle in the long run. I've NEVER been able to figure out a good way to rig it so it doesn't pool water/ice. I end up spending a lot of time during the winter bailing/shovelling/chipping ice to keep the weight off.

I have a Fisher winter cover. Really nice product and custom-made to the boat. It effectively keeps all the winter elements off the boat but is VERY heavy treated canvas(maybe 200#). BIG job to put on and take off. These covers are typically for boats that are stored on land. I think next year I might have them modify it so I can use the cover all winter in my slip.

The shrinkwrap is probably the best option if you weigh cost versus function. When properly applied they will sheet off snow and rain and ,as mentioned, can often be re-used the next winter if carefully removed and stored.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

I shrink in the winter, because I dont have inside storage and we get a bit of snow.
The snow just slides right off the plastic. Not so much on canvas.
34' at $600.... Dang, Im moving there and doing that for a living. Its 10 bucks a foot here. I got it for 8 per foot at my boat place, but Im very exclusive to them and buy all my stuff from them.

Anyway, I vote shrink and save the cover for summer.

 

[cpt ron jc]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

i just use heavy grade tarp with wood structure the snow slides off nicely,i still brush snow off when it snows heavy in northeast never had a water problem,on a bigger boat i would shrink wrap ,mine is only 21 cuddy,i think its preference and price,i heard shrink wrap does not let enough air in could cause mildew problems.

 

[Pirate_40]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

I'll vote none of the above. As long as the boat is pitched right and water and melting snow can drain leave it open.

I've done the shrink, the tarp, and nothing. With the exception of it getting a little more dirty being uncovered, in my opinion covering it is a waste of money.

 

[erie_guy]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

Three years ago I paid $75 for my wife's jet ski and $380 for my 32' Chris Craft express (see avitar). They did both at my cottage in the side yard driveway. Only took a couple of hours.

Both covers are will be used this season for the fourth time.

erie_guy
Port Clinton, OH

 

[JimS123]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

Shrinkwrap will serve the boat the best because the snow will slide off. Just be sure its properly vented or you will find mildew in the spring. If you have an I/O be sure its done with the outdrive down.

A custom $3k cover will be fine, but it won't last forever and it probably wont' be as taught as skrinkwrap, thus some drooping and water pooling may result if the snow load it big enough.

Pool covers have a type of weave, thus are not a continuous film. They also won't be as tight as skrinkwrap and if you get any wind flapping at all they will start to leak. In my neck of the woods they don't last thru 1 whole winter.

I recently compared pricing for a 27 footer. Shrinkwrap at $7/ft was about $200 total, while dry, indoor storage was $450. IMHO, the extra 250 was worth it.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

I keep mine indoors. The differnce is about $100 from 11/1-4/15.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

I have this same dilemma, and am also located in CT. I think shrinkwrap can be had for about $10/foot, which is why it falls on the list of options. I have a wood structure and large tarp from the previous owner that appeared to have been in good shape when removed, and seemed to work well it. It kept the snow/ice/water off, but allowed it to vent, so no moisture.

The majority of boats at my place have been shrinkwrapped, if that says something.

 

[shrew]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

I think shrink wrap is the best for the boat. There are a lot of benefits to it. It's completely waterproof, If you use the white shrink wrap instead of the blue (blue is heavier but really only needed for high snow loads, white is the standard in Ct. and what I use) it lets in a ton of light for working. keeps heat in better for working. sheds snow and water better. is significantly quieter than a tarp. less rubbing on the gelcoat than a tarp.

However, it is more expensive. Long term, your best option is to buy a shrink wrap gun/torch and learn to do it yourself. I went in on a gun with 2 buddies ($600\3= $200 each.) The materials themselves are pretty cheap and it's extremely easy to both learn and do. In the long run it paid for itself for me after one season. Find two other guys in your marina that are like minded and 6 hands makes for quick work. It will probably take you at least 2 days to do three boats the first time. It gets better and faster with some practice. If you're so inclined, walk around the boat yard and offer services to other's for $12/ft and make a little gas money for the next season.

 

[Snobike Mike]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

I used to do shrink but this year bought a Navigloo system which has a really nice PVC framing system that can be reused and comes with a tough tarp for covering.

It cost less than a shrink wrap job and will last many more years. Stores in a nice bag they supply.

Here it is almost all buttoned up.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

If I had a newer boat I'd probably go with shrink wrap but what I did was get a custom cover from Taylor Made and then I built a frame to go inside of it, similar to the Navagoo idea but using some wood and fiberglass cross supports you can get at West Marine....here is a pic of the frame...it does keep it from caving in with the snow....

 

[jollymon]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

Since I do shrinkwrap as a side job, I am going to suggest shrinkwrap.

Now for the why.

Unless I was going to go with a fisher cover, I would not consider a tarp. Getting a tarp to fit right with no sagging or pooling on a large boat is next to impossible. Also a tarp will flap and scratch your boat.

I wish I could find the picture I took last year, of a large sport fisher that had used a tarp. the entire cockpit looked like a skating rink. It had snowed, I can only assume that the tarp collapsed, the snow melted then froze again. It looked bad.

A properly installed shrinkwrap job, will have the boat looking just like the day it was wrapped. You can have a door installed so you can work onthe baot all winter long.

As far as reusing the shrinkwrap from year to year. I will not reinstall shrinkwrap. There are three parts to shrink wrapping. The first is to install the frame work using 3/4" woven strapping and 2x4's. This frame work has to be very tight, including the strap around the perimiter of the boat. The second is placing the shrinkwrap material over the frame. The third is shrinking the material. This makes a tight snug cover.

Reusing an old shrinkwrap cover makes steps 1 and 3 tough to do. If you do not get the supports in the same spot, the cover will not fit right. it is also very hard to get the perimiter band tight a second time. Third you can not reshrink the material. If a customer wants to do this, I will not help them. Not to say it con not be done, but I do not want the responsibility of it.

As far as mold and mildew in the boat. I would never wrap a wet boat. It does not matter tarp, shrinkwrap or canvas, a wet boat is an invitation for mold. Also the cover needs to be properly vented. If that is done, there is no reason a boat should get mold over the winter.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

I like the idea of leaving them open and let them drain. But you would have to be mindful of "ice dams" forming at the drain areas and then blocking subsequent water from draining.
Use small covers on consoles, etc.
Tarps are great on a still day when you first set them up. It's downhill from there, if you have wind, and can become a constant maintenance issue. And if you keep a tarped boat in a residential area, you can have unbearable flapping noise as well as ugliness. For example, nothing personal, but I would not want to live in sight/sound of Snobike's rig. If it's out in the country or in a marina lot, no problem.
Of course all of it depends on your conditions. But overall I'd say tarping is the least desirable for a large boat.

 

[Snobike Mike]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

IFor example, nothing personal, but I would not want to live in sight/sound of Snobike's rig. If it's out in the country or in a marina lot, no problem.

I wouldn't either.

But since my boss offered to put my boat out front of his house next to his boat I figured why not.

There is no way that tarp will flap in the wind (it's not finished being wrapped here, just temporarily secured since I ran out of time that day) and it is a steep as a shrinkwrap system so snow is not an issue.

And in the off chance it does need something over the winter, it can be easily resecured and also opened up. I tied the tarp in 3 sections: front, middle and back so if I need to go in I just unwrap the back part and hop aboard.

Cheers.

 

[eastont]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

I looked into the Navigloo system and it would not work for my boat........and I think the material they use will only last a couple of winters.

I have gone the shrink wrap route in the past but this year it has gone up 20% from last year and last year it was 15% more than the year before.
It is a petroleum based product so as the price of oil increases so will the plastic. And, the guys who install it will want a raise every couple of years so I am having a custom winter cover made.

I think it will cost me about $4,000 by the time it's complete.

When you figure it out it's about $110- $120 per foot and when the shrink wrap cost is $23 per foot and going up. up. up it will take about 4 years to pay for it's self, and the company says the material will last between 10 & 15 years depending on the winters.

 

[Snobike Mike]

Re: Shrinkwrap, tarp or, custom cover?

I looked into the Navigloo system and it would not work for my boat........and I think the material they use will only last a couple of winters.

Not sure what material you think will only last a few winters, but even if it does only go 3 winters, the first winter is cheaper than shrink wrapping, and the 2nd and 3rd are free. Even more important, I don't have some grease monkey wrecking my boat as they do a hacker job of shrinkwrapping it.

Can't see any downside other than it takes 2 hours of my time to button it up.

Cheers.