Ask Andrew: Protecting your boat for the winter – Part One
Oct 11, 2018
As the cold approaches, shrink-wrapping is a hot topic, and I’ve heard more than a few debates at yacht clubs about the merits and disadvantages of winter covers, tarps and wraps. First, why cover your boat at all?
Three main reasons:
1) To prevent snow, rain, water and moisture from penetrating the corners, crevices, edges and cracks and freezing and expanding – causing more problems and compounding damage.
2) To keep the boat secure – prevents unwanted intrusion of humans and animals
3) To keep the boat clean and moisture free – inside and out
Essentially, covering a boat in the off-season is a protection of your investment.
What are the options for covers? There are a few – lets talk about the pros and cons of each:
| Pro | Con | |
| A Tarp: | Inexpensive Easy to find Easy DIY |
Tend to fray and leak Not reliable Tough to secure Not fitted to the boat Not long-lasting |
| A Custom Cover | Very secure Fitted to the boat Very durable Good for many seasons |
Expensive Custom |
| Shrink-wrap | Secure Fitted to the boat Durable Can be DIY |
Can be costly Only 1 season use DIY with equipment |
There are options for every budget – but consideration should be given about the best way to protect your boat based on budget and ease of use.
Shrink-wrap is extremely popular – it’s cost-effective, durable and serves to protect the boat well. There is no shortage of contractors who can perform the work. Alternately, shrink-wrapping can be a DIY project – but requires a bit of prep and investment in both materials and tools/equipment
A custom cover can’t be beat in terms of durability and longevity. The only drawbacks are availability and cost – proper lead time is needed to arrange the creation and fitting of the cover, and return on investment may not be seen for a few years.
Tarps serve their purpose on a budget – but should be carefully fitted, tied and secured.
In Part two we’ll explore a closer look at shrink-wrapping as a DIY project.
Happy last few weeks of boating!
Andrew McDonald is the owner of Lakeside Marine Services – a boat repair/maintenance firm based in Toronto. Andrew has worked in the marine industry for 12 years and is a graduate of the Georgian College ‘Mechanical Techniques – Marine Engine Mechanic’ program.
