Removing and Saving shrink-wrap?

S

Sea~Lah

New Member
Aug 28, 2010
124
Buffalo,NY / Port Colborne, Ont.
Boat Info
1990 25ft Sundancer
Engines
7.4L Bravo I
Looking for some suggestions on saving the shrink wrap on my boat. Is there a way to cut it so it can be used next winter? SNC00277.jpg
 
I beleive the shrink wrap only works once for heat shrinkage so unless you use it as is and plenty of duct tape just recycle it.
 
Depending on how much its been used you can get a couple of seasons out of a zipped door. I have one installed every year. If I don't do any work to the boat over the winter I re-use the door the next year.

Henry
 
YES, it can be done. However, it's one of those it depends questions. It depends how much the previous installation shrinked it. Usually, there're plenty room to go. If you do it yourself, then it's easier to control what you do and how you do it. If you hire someone to do it, then they might not even agree to use the shrinkwrap from previous year. But, it doesn't hurt to ask. I've heard people reuse it 2-3 times. If you don't have much success saving it for the next year, then at least save the door. Just cut it anywhere around to make sure you have enough room to attach the tape for the new installation and you're good to go.

As for cutting, I've had mine cut at the stern, from top to bottom on each side. This would make it like a large curtain. You can re-attach it back with shrinkwrap tape, which is very good and comes in different sizes like 3”, 4”, 6”, etc. and it’s very strong and durable. I’ve used it and had great results.

Hope this helps.
 
Last edited:
My dock neighbor has a 355 Carver AC, and he uses his shrink wrap for about 4 seasons. I am not sure how he removes it, but he says he and the admiral take it off in 2 pieces and when it goes back on, it's like putting fitted sheets on a bed. :huh: He stores at Anchor Marine on the island, if you want to take a ride and look for it. He may even be there today.
 
I have one for my 21 foot jetboat. It has been used since 2008 each winter. I used it as a canvas and did not shrink it. Tied it well. It seems to be very durable and kept the boat dry. It was not brital in the cold as I could climb under it to work on the boat.
 
looking at your picture i would say that even if you save it, it will take so much labor and shrink-wrap tape to put it back that it may be not cost effective.
 
Thank you all for your suggestions.
I will attempt to reuse it for next year. It's worth a try.
I did the shrink wrap myself and I have enough left over for another application if necessary.
 
It was easy ... I cut the tie string that runs under the lip molding of the boat and tied knots on each end at the stern.
Then I worked one corner at the stern off while at a time and rolled the wrap over the top towards the bow.
Once I got to the bow it popped right off the front of the boat and I will reverse the process in the winter.
Lastly I untied the support strings as many as I could and marked and saved the support board/beam.
 
Take pictures with a digital camera as reference for the reinstall in the Fall!

I usually get 2-3 seasons, per wrap. Needs a little love / tape in the fall during the re-use process. Never has an issue.
 
I have just removed the shrink wrap, which has been used for two seasons, and i think it will be good for one more. I just cut at the Bow, up to above the bow rail, and roll it back. When you use it again the next season Just install from the stern forwards. It will easily line up at corners, and retie on new ties through the bottom chord. Then I place a new small piece on the front cut, and shrink/weld it in place. some tape will help support it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,172
Messages
1,427,835
Members
61,084
Latest member
AntonioJamm
Back
Top