shrink wrap vs. garage

[daniel2229]

I store my boat in an attached garage that has an insulated ceiling. I am getting ready for winterization, and my dealer tells me shrink wrapping a boat ($180) and sitting it oustide is actually better for the boat. Something about the UV rays help keep the boat warm and dry.

What do you all think? I live near Dayton, Ohio, and the winter average temp is somewhere between a low of 10 degrees below zero to a high of 40 above zero. We get some snow and lots of rain, so the sun isn't going to be out more than 30% the time.

I feel more comfortable about the safety of the garage than parking it in a friend's farm lot (for free). They do have a gated horse farm but also lots of small critters like mice and raccoons.

Well, what do you think? Just moth ball it and leave it in the garage?

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: shrink wrap vs. garage

Mine has a custom cover and stays in the garage.
Don't like the idea of it sitting outside, even at my house.

 

[Capt.Matt]

Re: shrink wrap vs. garage

Store it inside. Why pay for shrinkwrap, chance animal entry etc when it can be kept inside? Plus if you have room you can turn on the toons, have a beer and clean and or work on it.

 

[HondaPower]

Re: shrink wrap vs. garage

Mine lives in the garage when it is not out fishing. My wife gets upset that the boat is in the garage and the truck is outside, but the truck can take it, the boat cannot. Garage is insulated and has a furnace if I want to work out there during the winter. It works for me.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: shrink wrap vs. garage

UV rays are not good for anything on a boat. Rubber, vinyl, gel coat, paint are all affected by them. Save the money, park it in the garage -- covered if you have one. You will also not need to worry about condensation on the inside of that shrink wrap.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: shrink wrap vs. garage

Someone is trying to sell you a shrink wrap job. Inside is best for anything to be stored. Shrink wrap is great for bigger boats n pontoons that are harder to be stored inside.

 

[Mark42]

Re: shrink wrap vs. garage

Skip the shrink wrap expense and store it in the garage. Do the moth ball mouse prevention routine and throw a tarp over it to keep the dust off it. Indoor storage is 100% better than outdoor storage.

 

[45Auto]

Re: shrink wrap vs. garage

The dealer wants to make $180. There is no benefit to storing your boat outside. Put it in the garage! If you believe the crap about the UV buy a cheap blacklight and stick in it .........

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: shrink wrap vs. garage

garage, moth balls and covered to keep clean.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: shrink wrap vs. garage

Agree on bad UV's. As far as shrink wrap being good, any moisture in the boat would condense on the underside of the shrink wrap as I would assume it sealed the boat pretty well, and ultimately mildew. A new boat is one thing. One that has been used is quite another due to water absorption, presence.

On tarps, the tarp has to breathe or mildew will accumulate. Canvas is my #1 choice.

Amen on the store inside regardless.

My 2c

Mark

 

[Missxena]

Re: shrink wrap vs. garage

....my dealer tells me shrink wrapping a boat ($180) and sitting it oustide is actually better for the boat.

Your dealer really means that it's better for
his bank account. No UV rays gonna get at
stored inside.....I too say put it in your
garage and be happy.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: shrink wrap vs. garage

No UV rays are likely to get through the shrink wrap anyhow... most shrink wrap plastics used for this have plenty of uv inhibitors to last the winter season. I've always worried about what happens to any water trapped inside. Ever make one of those solar stills with a piece of plastic sheet? As for storing something outside vs inside... I gotta go with the folks above...

 

[RubberDuckie]

Re: shrink wrap vs. garage

They should be putting vents in the shrink wrap to help control moisture, if they are doing it correctly.

A garage beats shrink wrap any day though.

 

[chrisg]

Re: shrink wrap vs. garage

Moth balls help with mice? I'm stuck leaving it outside. ( too long for garage by 2 feet). I asked a simular question

 

[evilratgirl]

Re: shrink wrap vs. garage

This dealer needs to go on the DO NOT TRUST list. Our boat has spent its years outside when it was all we had. We then got a portable garage which was WAY nicer. It now resides in the pole barn. Never heater but well protected.

 

[daniel2229]

Re: shrink wrap vs. garage

No worries. The temp went way above 32 today, and when it got to about 40, I took it to the marina and had it winterized. Cost $118 including shop costs and materials.

I'm good to 40 below, and it's in the garage! I read in one of these forums that Bounce dryer sheets is better than moth balls. Smells gooood too!

Dan

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: shrink wrap vs. garage

That's too funny..... "Our shrink-wrap is far superior to storing your boat in a garage"

LOL!!!​