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OrangeCrush · 07-12-2016, 18:46

To shrink wrap or not is another debate, but for those that do: how do you keep your boat dry over winter layup? Do you use vents, desiccants, a self-draining dehumidifier, or some combination?

SailFastTri · 07-12-2016, 18:54

I don't shrink wrap in CT. I recommend looser covers (Fairclough or tarp with frame). Your boat needs ventilation. Yes, use desiccants.

PS - a dehumidifier will freeze, and most boatyards won't allow you to keep anything plugged in when you leave the boat.

Ziggy · 07-12-2016, 18:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeCrush

To shrink wrap or not is another debate, but for those that do: how do you keep your boat dry over winter layup? Do you use vents, desiccants, a self-draining dehumidifier, or some combination?

I do shrink wrap (in Maine). A few vents and foam blocks to separate the shrinkwrap from the topsides keep the boat dry. No desiccants or humidifiers (I don't think my boatyard allows electric dehumidifiers under shrink wrap running unattended.

UNCIVILIZED · 07-12-2016, 20:30

I'm not certain, but I think that shrink wrap + some paints = FUBAR finish when unwrapping things later.

SailFastTri · 07-12-2016, 20:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNCIVILIZED

I'm not certain, but I think that shrink wrap + some paints = FUBAR finish when unwrapping things later.

Yes that's true if the plastic holds moisture against the paint long-term. I've seen Awlgrip paint bubble on a mast that was painted and shrink wrapped.

Ziggy · 08-12-2016, 04:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNCIVILIZED

I'm not certain, but I think that shrink wrap + some paints = FUBAR finish when unwrapping things later.

That is very true. That's why the foam blocks to keep the shrink wrap from the topsides are essential.

astokel · 08-12-2016, 08:44

I tarp the boat and leave small vent holes fore and aft. West Marine have a dehumidifier that doesn't use a tray and won't freeze. I have one if anyone wants it.

Mutt · 08-12-2016, 09:03

I shrink wrapped once. Never again. Even with vents installed it rained with condensation inside the the shrink wrap. Whatever you cover with allow lots of openings for air to flow through. I only cover the cockpit because the cockpit drains freeze and ice and water can build up in there.

bletso · 08-12-2016, 09:38

Need vents. The whole thing needs to breathe, which means not tight fitting.

SV DestinyAscen · 08-12-2016, 09:54

You need to talk to the yard about the weather pattern to decide. Wrap is a bad idea if there's a lot of warming days as the wrap and boat will get warmer than ambient, increase humidity in the boat and wrap, then when night comes it'll condense.

A boat tent is usually a better option, keeps precipitation off the boat, allows continuous ventilation.

OrangeCrush · 08-12-2016, 10:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mutt

I only cover the cockpit because the cockpit drains freeze and ice and water can build up in there.

Yeah it wasn't my desire to shrink wrap originally but I'm pretty sure my (new) boat will not take a big snow with a freeze/thaw cycle without forming ice dams on the deck drains. It barely drains in nice weather without clogging.

Next year I will build a frame and make a tarp cover, but I was short on time and space this season so I bit the bullet on shrink wrap. I am planning on cutting lots of little triangular-flap vents in the sides/overhangs and adding one solar powered vent on top ($25 on Defender).

When I realized some people used dehumidifiers draining into the sink I suddenly questioned my approach, but based on your comments I think I'm on the right track. It's true that if I left anything plugged in the marina would unplug it eventually, so lots vents are the way to go.

Ziggy · 09-12-2016, 04:57

If done properly, shrink wrap works very well, shedding snow and ice and keeping the boat dry. I had my boat shrink wrapped several winters now, and also one summer, with absolutely no ill effects. Passive ventilation is more then sufficient, in my experience. One caveat: I am not a live-aboard. I suspect condensation could be an issue with one or more people living on board.

boatpoker · 09-12-2016, 05:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziggy

If done properly, shrink wrap works very well, shedding snow and ice and keeping the boat dry. I had my boat shrink wrapped several winters now, and also one summer, with absolutely no ill effects. Passive ventilation is more then sufficient, in my experience. One caveat: I am not a live-aboard. I suspect condensation could be an issue with one or more people living on board.

Agree. 20yr. liveaboard in Toronto .... never had a condensation problem with shrink wrap.

Most have the wrap tight against the hull. I run 2X2's taped to each stanchion running about 1' below the rub rail with a line running through holes drilled in the bottom of the 2X2's. This leaves a 2' gap all the way around the bottom of the wrap so it never touches the hull. I also have multiple vents up high.

I don't have to worry about it this year as I'm cruising the Bahamas

**Cotemar** · 09-12-2016, 05:21

Since this was posted in a Multihull forum, I am assuming the OP wanted to know if a Multihull should be Shrink-Wrapped.

Shrink-Wrapping a multihull is very expensive.

You can buy a nice rugged winter cover that will last many many years for the cost of 1 years shrink-wrapping.

Here is our Multihull $1,100 winter cover.