Ask Andrew - Protecting Your Boat for the Winter, Part 1
As the cold approaches, shrink-wrapping is a hot topic, and I’ve heard more than a few debates at yacht clubs about the merits and disadvantages of winter covers, tarps and wraps. First, why cover your boat at all?
Three main reasons:
- To prevent snow, rain, water and moisture from penetrating the corners, crevices, edges and cracks and freezing and expanding – causing more problems and compounding damage.
- To keep the boat secure – prevents unwanted intrusion of humans and animals
- To keep the boat clean and moisture free – inside and out
Essentially, covering a boat in the off-season is a protection of your investment.
What are the options for covers? There are a few.
Lets talk about the pros and cons of each:
Tarp
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to find
- Easy DIY
Cons:
- Tend to fray and leak
- Not reliable
- Tough to secure
- Not fitted to the boat
- Not long-lasting
Custom Cover
Pros:
- Very secure
- Fitted to the boat
- Very durable
- Good for many seasons
Cons:
- Expensive
- Custom
Shrink Wrap
Pros:
- Secure
- Fitted to the boat
- Durable
- Can be DIY
Cons:
- Can be costly
- Only 1 season use
- DIY with equipment
There are options for every budget – but consideration should be given about the best way to protect your boat based on budget and ease of use.
Shrink-wrap is extremely popular – it’s cost-effective, durable and serves to protect the boat well. There is no shortage of contractors who can perform the work. Alternately, shrink-wrapping can be a DIY project – but requires a bit of prep and investment in both materials and tools/equipment
A custom cover can’t be beat in terms of durability and longevity. The only drawbacks are availability and cost – proper lead time is needed to arrange the creation and fitting of the cover, and return on investment may not be seen for a few years.
Tarps serve their purpose on a budget – but should be carefully fitted, tied and secured.
In Part two we’ll explore a closer look at shrink-wrapping as a DIY project.
Happy last few weeks of boating!