Thin plastic sheets for winter cover - anybody have a good source?

Stee6043

Well-Known Member
Jun 1, 2015
6,706
West Michigan
Boat Info
1997 Sundancer 400
Engines
7.4L Gassers
I know....I know....it's too soon to have this conversation!

This year I plan to cover my boat while it's inside heated storage. Previously I've never covered it but the dirt/mess can be a bit aggravating. I'm wondering if anyone has a better source than Amazon for thin plastic sheeting in "large" sizes?

The best I seem to be able to do on Amazon is a 20x100 sheet for $73. At 20' wide I'll have to rig something up along the cockpit to cover the sides of the boat. Not ideal. I'd prefer no seams if possible.

I really want a 40' by 60' maybe? Or 40' x 80'? But I really don't want to spend $300 on a real tarp. I just want cheapo plastic sheeting.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts or suggestions!
 
I know....I know....it's too soon to have this conversation!

This year I plan to cover my boat while it's inside heated storage. Previously I've never covered it but the dirt/mess can be a bit aggravating. I'm wondering if anyone has a better source than Amazon for thin plastic sheeting in "large" sizes?

The best I seem to be able to do on Amazon is a 20x100 sheet for $73. At 20' wide I'll have to rig something up along the cockpit to cover the sides of the boat. Not ideal. I'd prefer no seams if possible.

I really want a 40' by 60' maybe? Or 40' x 80'? But I really don't want to spend $300 on a real tarp. I just want cheapo plastic sheeting.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts or suggestions!

I see Home Depot has a 40 x 100 x 4mm for about $180.00. The problem with these rolls are they can get quite heavy for the larger rolls which only increases shipping costs.

-Kevin
 
You'll need, what, maybe 55' or 60' front to back? Cut 40' off the plastic, then slice that in half and you get (2) 10'x40' sheets which is probably enough to hang on the sides with a couple pieces of painter's tape. Then drape the 20'x60' section over top.
 
You'll need, what, maybe 55' or 60' front to back? Cut 40' off the plastic, then slice that in half and you get (2) 10'x40' sheets which is probably enough to hang on the sides with a couple pieces of painter's tape. Then drape the 20'x60' section over top.

Agreed...I'm just trying to avoid slicing and dicing if possible. If there are seams I'm of the opinion the dust/junk will find its way through those seams. It'll be better than nothing but I'm just hoping to find one big piece of plastic at a reasonable price if at all possible.

I see Home Depot has a 40 x 100 x 4mm for about $180.00. The problem with these rolls are they can get quite heavy for the larger rolls which only increases shipping costs.

-Kevin

I never thought to check HD. I'll have to check that out, if available without shipping. That would be more than enough plastic to get the job done, with extra...
 
Sherwin Williams, they have rolls of plastic in varies sizes for covering things for painting.
 
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I bought this insulation fabric from MENARDS to make a cover. I made it 18’ wide and taped the seam with house wrap tape. I’ve been using it for several years it keeps all the dust and dirt out. I prefer it to plastic because it allows the boat to breath. A 9’ x 300’ roll is $33
 
Some great tips so far guys, thank you!

One thing I found yesterday after checking both Uline and Home Depot was that the thin plastic sheets in this size are approaching the cost of a "real" tarp. For $300 I could buy a 50x100 tarp vs nearly $200 for a 4 mil sheet I'd only expect to last a year or two.

Decisions...decisions. Thanks for all the help so far!
 
Agreed...I'm just trying to avoid slicing and dicing if possible. If there are seams I'm of the opinion the dust/junk will find its way through those seams. It'll be better than nothing but I'm just hoping to find one big piece of plastic at a reasonable price if at all possible.



I never thought to check HD. I'll have to check that out, if available without shipping. That would be more than enough plastic to get the job done, with extra...
I’ve been using “Huskey 20x200” from Home Depot in 1 1/2 or 2 mill, I do not save it from year to year I get 4 years out of a roll. I have also bought it from construction supply stores depending on availability and price.
 
+1 on the Sherwin Williams. When I previously covered my while in indoor heated storage, I got it from Sherwin Williams, mainly cause the had the larger rolls in stock.
Now, the guys that rub and wax it, cover it. But they are the same guys that suggested I go to Sherwin Williams.
 
+1 on the Sherwin Williams. When I previously covered my while in indoor heated storage, I got it from Sherwin Williams, mainly cause the had the larger rolls in stock.
Now, the guys that rub and wax it, cover it. But they are the same guys that suggested I go to Sherwin Williams.
Brent up the road from you Lumber Jack in Algonac stocks it too... I used to buy it there when I stored at Algonac harbor club
 
This is the first year we will be doing indoor storage. I'm leaning towards a cloth or paper fabric (tyvec?). Basically just drawing on my car storing experience where cloth was preferential to plastic because it allowed the cover to breath and not trap moisture. I know this sounds contradictory when shrink wrap is so common. My thinking is that indoor storage (even unheated) raises the frequency that temperatures will swing enough to promote condensation.

H
 

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