Multi-year shrink wrap

[jen1722terry]

For the life of me, I can't figure out how to post a new thread, so I'm replying to another post and changing the title. Hope it works.

Anyhow, like many owners, we may not be launching our Cape Dory 31 sailboat this summer. She is presently stored and winterized at a yard in Maine under shrink wrap (with vents).

Does shrink wrap last for 20 months in Maine?

is it a problem to leave shrink wrap on a boat for 20 months? This would entail leaving it on over one summer. Is that a problem?

Also, for winter storage we leave all ports and hatches closed under the wrap. Should we open all these over the summer?

We store the cushions on board and we assume we should take off the fabric ones for the summer (some are vinyl). Correct?

We will visit the boat in the spring and fall and top-up the Odyssy AGM batteries with a specialized charger. Anything else for the electrical system?


Lastly, is there anything else we need to do to the engine? It has been winterized with fresh oil and all fittings and other corrosion points sprayed with fluid film. Anything else?

Any wisdom will be appreciated.

Jenn and Terry

[Pete7]

I have moved your thread for you.

Can't answer the shrink question, but if the engine has been winterised then leave well alone. You will do more harm running it lightly on the hard for a short time.

Pete

[ExCoelis]

Does shrink wrap last for 20 months in Maine?


It certainly lasts several years. I am aware of several of various sizes that has been under wrap for past 3 + years, this is farther north (46 N), so should be all right, local conditions (hurricane, windfalls, vandals) will dictate. Perhaps those lucky enough to live in Maine will contribute here.

Also, for winter storage we leave all ports and hatches closed under the wrap. Should we open all these over the summer?

Ventilation is a needed, but not solitary condition for mould prevention. Open em. Best have screens in place as attempt to deter rodents. Buggers ate my vinyl seats two winters ago. Similarly, leaving any fabric coverings on cushions aboard will likely give a poor result.

Keep calm and isolate on
POH