The Average Cost to Shrink Wrap a Boat (per foot)

When it comes to protecting your boat during the off-season or while in storage, one of the most effective methods is shrink-wrapping. This plastic film, which conforms tightly to the boat’s shape when heated, offers a high level of protection from the elements. Shrink wrapping helps shield your boat from harsh weather, UV damage, dirt, and debris, ensuring it stays in pristine condition until you’re ready to take it out on the water again. However, the cost of shrink-wrapping can vary significantly depending on a range of factors. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the costs of shrink-wrapping a boat, break down the factors that affect the price, and explore alternatives so you can make an informed decision about whether shrink wrapping is the right choice for you.

Understanding the Basics of Shrink Wrapping

Shrink-wrapping a boat involves covering the entire vessel with a large plastic sheet, which is then heated to shrink and conform tightly to the boat’s shape. This process creates a secure, waterproof barrier that protects the boat from environmental factors such as rain, snow, wind, and harmful UV rays.

Typically, shrink wrapping is used during the off-season when boats are stored outside, especially in colder climates, as well as for boats that are being transported overland. The material most commonly used for boat shrink wrapping is low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a durable plastic known for its protective qualities.

While shrink-wrapping may sound straightforward, it is a specialized process that requires expertise, especially when dealing with larger boats or complex structures like masts, flybridges, or towers. Although it’s possible to do it yourself, most boat owners opt to hire professionals for this job to ensure a tight, secure wrap that will provide the best protection.

Average Costs of Shrink Wrapping a Boat

The cost of shrink-wrapping a boat is typically charged by the foot of the boat’s length, with prices ranging from $12 to $25 per foot for both powerboats and sailboats. However, there are several factors that can affect the final price.

For powerboats, the average cost to shrink-wrap is generally between $12 and $25 per foot, and sailboats tend to fall within the same price range. However, if you plan to leave the mast up on your sailboat, the cost will likely increase by $2 to $3 per foot due to the additional work involved in wrapping the mast.

Beyond the basic cost per foot, there are optional features that can add to the overall price:

  • Anti-moisture bags: $8 each. These are placed inside the boat to absorb moisture and prevent mold.
  • Entrance: $30 – $40. Some boat owners may want a zippered entrance to access their boat while it’s wrapped.
  • Anti-mold spray: Typically costs an additional $50. This spray helps prevent mold and mildew from forming under the wrap.
  • Vents: $4 each. Adding vents to the wrap can help with air circulation and mold prevention.
  • Shrink wrapping a boat in the water: If you need to have your boat shrink-wrapped while it’s still in the water, this will typically cost an extra $100 to $150.

While these costs can add up quickly, it’s important to consider whether the protection they provide is worth the investment.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Shrink Wrapping

Several factors influence the cost of shrink wrapping your boat. Understanding these variables can help you better anticipate the price and decide whether the service is a good fit for your needs.

Boat Length and Beam

The most significant factor in determining the cost of shrink wrapping is the length of your boat. Longer boats require more material, which increases the price per foot. Additionally, the wider the boat (its beam), the more material is needed to cover it. A 20-foot boat will cost considerably less to wrap than a 50-foot boat, so if you own a larger vessel, expect to pay on the higher end of the price range.

Deck Hardware and Other Unusual Shapes

Boats with additional features like towers, flybridges, or complex deck hardware will require more work and additional material to cover. For example, a boat with a T-top or a tall mast will require more shrink wrap than a speedboat with a streamlined shape. These added features can increase the overall cost of shrink wrapping.

Extras Like an Entrance

Some boat owners may want an entrance to their shrink-wrapped boat for convenience. Adding a zipper door or hatch can cost an additional $30 to $40, allowing you to access the interior of the boat without removing the entire wrap. This can be especially helpful if you need to perform maintenance or repairs during the off-season.

Trailers and Transportation

If your boat is on a trailer and will be moved around during the off-season, you may want to opt for a “bullet wrap.” This specialized material is designed to withstand the wear and tear of being transported on the highway. While this option is typically more expensive than a standard wrap, it offers better durability for boats that will be moved frequently.

Insurance

Shrink wrapping involves the use of open flames to heat the plastic, so it’s important to ensure that the shrink-wrapping service you hire is insured. While this adds a small extra cost, it can provide peace of mind in case of accidents during the wrapping process.

Trash Disposal

After the shrink wrap has been removed in the spring, you’ll need to dispose of the large plastic sheets. Most shrink-wrapping companies will handle the disposal for an additional fee, so be sure to factor this into your budget.

Sailboat vs Powerboat Shrink Wrapping

One question many boat owners have is whether the type of boat affects the cost of shrink wrapping. In most cases, the cost for both powerboats and sailboats will fall within the same price range. However, if you have a sailboat and choose to leave the mast up, you can expect an additional cost of $2 to $3 per foot.

While the hull of a sailboat may be similar in size and shape to a powerboat, the mast adds complexity to the shrink-wrapping process. If you’re willing to take the mast down, you can avoid the additional cost. However, if you prefer to leave it in place, the extra fee is typically worth it for the added protection.

Can You Do It Yourself?

Given the cost of professional shrink-wrapping services, some boat owners may wonder whether it’s worth attempting a DIY shrink-wrapping project. While it is technically possible to shrink-wrap a boat yourself, the process can be challenging, especially for larger boats.

The materials needed for a DIY shrink-wrapping project include propane tanks, shrink wrap film, and a heat gun. A propane bottle rental can cost around $70, and a roll of shrink wrap film for a 30-foot boat can run about $200. While you may have some of the necessary tools at home, such as tape, knives, and supports, the overall cost for a DIY project could easily reach $900 to $1,000.

Most boat owners find that the cost of a professional service is not much more than the DIY expenses, especially when you factor in the time and effort required to complete the job properly. Additionally, without proper training and experience, you risk damaging your boat’s finish or failing to properly secure the wrap.

Benefits of Shrink Wrapping

Shrink wrapping provides several advantages over other boat storage methods. First and foremost, it offers excellent protection from the elements. A properly installed shrink wrap cover will keep out rain, snow, wind, and harmful UV rays, all of which can damage your boat’s exterior and interior over time.

Another major benefit of shrink wrapping is its tight, custom fit. The plastic conforms to the shape of the boat, minimizing the risk of pooling water or snow, which can occur with loose or poorly fitted covers. Shrink wrapping also eliminates the need for ongoing maintenance, unlike tarps or fabric covers that may need to be adjusted or replaced over time.

Alternatives to Shrink Wrapping

While shrink wrapping is a popular and effective method of protecting a boat, there are several alternatives that may be more cost-effective, depending on your situation.

Indoor Storage

Indoor storage offers the highest level of protection, as your boat will be completely shielded from the elements. However, indoor storage tends to be more expensive than shrink wrapping. Prices can vary depending on the location and the amenities offered, but you can expect to pay around $50 per foot of boat length for indoor storage. For larger boats that are too big to fit indoors, shrink wrapping may be a more practical option.

Canvas Covers

Canvas covers are a one-time investment that can be used for year-round protection. They are typically custom-made to fit your boat’s specific dimensions and can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500, depending on the size of the boat and the quality of the cover. While canvas covers offer less protection than shrink wrap, they can be a more affordable long-term solution.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to shrink-wrap your boat depends on several factors, including your budget, the size and type of your boat, and the level of protection you need. While shrink wrapping can be expensive, it offers superior protection from the elements, helping to preserve your boat’s condition for years to come. Before making a decision, be sure to weigh the costs and benefits of shrink wrapping against other options, such as indoor storage or canvas covers, to determine the best solution for your boat.

Regardless of the option you choose, remember that protecting your boat from the elements is essential for maintaining its value and ensuring it’s ready for use when the boating season rolls around again.

Happy Boating!

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