How do you cover your boat in the winter? Two of the most popular ways are to shrink wrap it or have a custom cover made for it. There are pros and cons to both. So which one is right for you?
A few things to think about when weighing your options are which is more cost effective, how accessible your boat will be, installation, and the difference in material.
But first of all, why is it important to cover your boat in the winter?
WHY COVER YOUR BOAT IN THE WINTER?
Those who don’t use their boat year-round, should consider covering their boat in the winter. Leaving your boat out in the elements or even in a storage facility isn’t proper protection for such a big investment. Not only are snow and ice a concern but different rodents may take up residence to escape the cold. Dust and dirt can also be cut down by covering.
COST OF COVERING YOUR BOAT
The cost to shrink wrap your boat will depend on the size. Most shrink wrap is priced per square foot. You should plan on at least $12-$25 a foot. That is just for the main part of the boat. If you would like to add an entrance or have any unusual shapes, you’ll need to plan for more. You also need to plan on this being a yearly expense. When you uncover your boat, you will have to tear the shrink wrap and it’s not able to be used again.
Custom covers will cost a lot more, into the thousands. But they do last a lot longer. Plus, you can use the boat covers to protect while driving to different destinations.
ACCESSING YOUR BOAT
The offseason is the perfect time to have work done on your boat. However, if you shrink wrap your boat, it won’t be accessible. Shrink wrap can’t be removed and put back on. You would need to schedule the work and then wait to winterize your boat until after.
With a boat cover, you are able to access your boat at any time. If you left something in your boat before you winterized it, you can just uncover it and put the cover right back on.
COVER INSTALLATION
When a custom cover is created, it will be expertly installed for you. After that, covers can be put on and taken off easily by the owner. That means a one and done installation.
For shrink wrap, you will need an expert to install each and every time. Going back to cost, you will need to be prepared to pay each time and scheduling will also be an issue.
MATERIAL
Shrink wrap is waterproof which makes sense to use it to cover a boat. The con of this material is that it isn’t breathable. This will make mold and mildew a probability. Installing vents will help with breathability.
Most boat covers will be made out of breathable fabric so there’s no need to worry about mold and mildew.
WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR BOAT?
SugarHouse offers several different types of boat covers including cinch, tie-down, and snap-on. We also have a line of boat enclosures that will protect your boat as well as you. All of the fabric we use is marine grade. It’s incredibly durable and stretch and shrink-proof. Not only are they easy to clean but they come in many different colors.
We also offer shrink wrapping if you think that is the best option for you.
Give us a call at 801-563-9600 to get the best protection for your boat!
SugarHouse Ind. has served its clients in the Intermountain West since 1941. In that time, we have become Utah’s largest provider of awning, boat tops, and specialty canvas covers. After nearly 80 years, our focus is still to provide customers with the highest quality products and the best prices. We remain a family-owned company, and we remain committed to putting a personal touch into everything we do. That’s why we make every product that we offer in our 30,000 ft2 facility in Midvale, Utah.