Best Shrink Wraps for Boats: Top Durable Options for Protection and Storage
Protecting your boat with high-quality shrink wrap is essential for long-term outdoor storage and winterization. This article highlights five top-rated shrink wraps, offering durability, UV resistance, and weather protection designed specifically for boats. Below is a summary table of the selected products to help you quickly compare features before diving into detailed reviews.
| Product Name | Brand | Key Features | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| FPS – Polyethylene Plastic Shrink Wrap – 7 mil | Farm Plastic Supply | UV resistant, durable Linear Low Density Polyethylene, permeable protection | 14′ x 50′ |
| Dr. Shrink DS-SWK Shrink Wrap Kit for Boats | Dr. Shrink | Complete shrink wrap kit with tape, straps, vents, end caps | Up to 24′ Runabouts & Pontoons |
| CPP 26’ x 100’, 7 Mil White Industrial Shrink Wrap | Complete Packaging Products | Puncture/tear resistant, waterproof, UV & weather protective | 26′ x 100′ |
| VBS – Polyethylene Plastic Shrink Wrap – 7 mil (White) | Generic | UV resistant, durable LLDPE, ideal for watercraft protection | 20′ x 30′ |
| VBS – Polyethylene Plastic Shrink Wrap – 7 mil (Blue) | Generic | UV resistant, durable LLDPE, optimized for winter with snow slip | 17′ x 10′ |
FPS 7 Mil Polyethylene Plastic Shrink Wrap for Boats
The Farm Plastic Supply FPS shrink wrap is designed with Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) which provides excellent durability and weather resistance. Its 7 mil thickness ensures a sturdy barrier against moisture and dirt, making it ideal for winter storage and protection of boats and Jetskis. This wrap features anti-aging UV additives, offering up to one year of protection from sun damage, preventing the plastic film from breakdown. It is impervious to water, making it suitable for outdoor use and long-term storage.
Dr. Shrink DS-SWK Complete Shrink Wrap Kit for Pontoons & Runabouts
This kit by Dr. Shrink is a comprehensive solution for boats up to 24 feet long, including most runabouts and pontoon boats up to 8 feet wide. It is well-suited for owners looking for convenience as it includes shrink wrap, shrink wrap tape, woven cord strapping, end caps, buckles, cutters, knives, and weather-tight self-adhesive vents. The all-in-one packaging eliminates the need to purchase additional accessories separately, streamlining the wrapping process. Note that it’s not compatible with boats having wakeboard towers or pontoons wider than 8 feet.
CPP 7 Mil White Industrial Shrink Wrap for Boat Winterization
The CPP 7 mil shrink wrap is a versatile and strong choice for winterization, transportation, or outdoor storage. Available in a large 26′ x 100′ size, this waterproof and puncture-resistant wrap features high-strength plastic with up to 12 months protection against rain, snow, and wind. It also provides UV protection for up to six months, ideal for protecting against sunlight damage during storage. The wrap comes in two colors: white, which reflects heat and stays tight in moderate climates, and blue, which absorbs heat for snow shedding in snowy areas, offering specific advantages for different weather conditions.
VBS 7 Mil White Polyethylene Plastic Shrink Wrap for Boats
This 7 mil shrink wrap by VBS is manufactured using durable Linear Low Density Polyethylene, suitable for boats, Jetskis, and other watercraft. It provides comprehensive protection for winter storage by creating a sealed shield against moisture and contaminants. Enhanced with UV inhibitors, it helps extend the life of the wrap by protecting against sun damage for up to one year. The 20′ x 30′ size allows wrapping of a wide range of boat sizes, emphasizing longevity and strength for safe storage.
VBS 7 Mil Blue Polyethylene Shrink Wrap Film for Boat Protection
The blue VBS shrink wrap shares the same durable polyethylene composition as its white counterpart but is optimized for winter conditions. The blue color helps absorb heat, promoting snow to slide off the cover, which reduces the burden on the wrap during heavy snowfall. It also includes UV protection to prevent degradation from sunlight, rated for up to a year of outdoor storage. Measuring 17′ x 10′, this wrap is ideal for medium-sized boats requiring strong, protective coverage.
Boat Shrink Wrap Buying Guide
Choosing the best shrink wrap for your boat depends on several key factors:
Material and Durability
Look for shrink wraps made of Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) or similar durable plastic films. These materials offer superior puncture resistance, tear strength, and flexibility to withstand outdoor elements and handling during installation.
Thickness
The wrap thickness, typically measured in mils, impacts protection level. 7 mil thickness is standard for boat shrink wrap, providing a good balance between durability and ease of use. Thicker wraps offer better protection but may be harder to shrink evenly.
UV Resistance
UV protection is crucial for preventing the plastic from degrading under sunlight. Wraps with anti-UV additives can last up to a year in outdoor storage, preserving the plastic film’s integrity and maintaining its waterproof qualities.
Size and Compatibility
Select a shrink wrap size that fits your boat’s length and width with enough extra material to securely cover the entire vessel. Some wraps come in kits with necessary accessories, while others are sold as rolls that require separate purchase of tape and strapping.
Color Options and Weather Suitability
White shrink wraps reflect sunlight and help keep temperatures down, which is beneficial for moderate climates. Blue or darker wraps absorb heat, aiding snow and ice melt, which is useful in heavy snowfall regions. Consider your local climate when selecting wrap color.
Complete Kits vs. Rolls
For convenience, buying a shrink wrap kit that includes tape, straps, venting, and other accessories can save time and ensure proper sealing. Rolls allow flexibility in size and quantity but require purchasing accessories separately.
By considering these factors, you can select the best boat shrink wrap to protect your investment from weather damage, dust, and moisture during storage or transportation.