Winter outside tarps or Shrink Wrap?

[dirty dancer]

Own an awesome1991 Searay 250 Sundancer with trailer . Am taking critique's and input as to the product or products to winter cover this vessel from a Wisconsin winter .Will be spotting it in my driveway .Thank's for your help ! Greg

 

[boatmailster]

I think only shrink wrap.
Loose tarp and windy weather = plenty scratches on your hull and topside.

 

[Buckeye Boater]

If storing outside, I agree with using shrinkwrap.

Just got back from the MAATS (Marine Accessory and Aftermarket Trade Show) in Las Vegas. This system was on display.

http://www.transhield-usa.com/


The feature that interests me is that it is suppose to be reusable.

 

[boatmailster]

If storing outside, I agree with using shrinkwrap.

Just got back from the MAATS (Marine Accessory and Aftermarket Trade Show) in Las Vegas. This system was on display.

http://www.transhield-usa.com/


The feature that interests me is that it is suppose to be reusable.

looks like is same as shipping cover Sea Ray uses.
It looks reusable but is very hard to use it again. Because you have to use heat gun to to somehow shrink that cover, it shrinks tightly around cleats, antennas, hull shape etc. removal without damage can be difficult. Plus for winter you should add some poles to support weight of snow and those covers are shaped to be used without them - they good for trailer shipment or storage where heavy snow will not be a problem.

 

[fc3]

On a small boat like your, canvas works well, but a piece of canvas that size will weigh about 90 pounds. I used a 40 foot canvas tarp on my old 26 footer. It protected much better than shrink wrap since it is nearly indestructible. It's just very heavy and requires a rigid frame for support. A custom made canvas cover is a little lighter, since there isn't so much extra material. It's expensive, but will last a long time.

I use shrink wrap because any type of canvas cover for my boat would weigh over 100 pounds, and that's just too heavy for me to manage. I install my own shrink wrap. It's not too hard.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[Caribbeansoul]

This post is about a year behind, but wanted to let anyone who may research this subject that it does work, I have used it. There are many ways to get the Transhield covers. It's avialable either direct for the 'do it yourselfer' or through your local dealer. You can get 2-3 years out of one cover and you will only need to lift a 30 lb cover for a 260 DA.

Good Luck.

 

[At Ease]

How was the pricing as compared to shrink wrap? To have my 260DA shrink wrapped is about $500.

 

[frankn88]

I'm going to buy one of these this year - http://www.westlandcovers.com/index.php?tplaction=search&keyword=ef
Saw one on a Formula this spring and the guy had had it for 3 years - looked practically brand new. He said it worked great, no leaks. Cost for mine will be about $800, but if I can get 5 years or more out of it (it's got a 5 year warranty) it'll be well worth it. If the link doesn't work it's called Sharkskin.

 

[White Collar]

Build a high frame so you have good slope so snow and rain don't collapse the cover.

 

[Caribbeansoul]

Cost for 260 DA would probably be similar to what you pay. I would guess it depends on the dealer.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Maybe we're not charging enough for shrink wrap? We charge $10 a foot. :huh:

Personally, I've always preferred a high quality, custom, breathable cover. As noted above, they do get heavy. Some places will make them in sections - a friend of mine had a custom cover made for his '01 310DA that way. It was even made to go all the way down to just under the chine. No way that would have been manageable in one piece.

If you use shrink, be sure to install a few vents.

I'll add a big "second" to the comment above about blue/green plastic tarps not being a good idea.

Also, never use a cover on top of a cover.

 

[Daytripper]

Maybe we're not charging enough for shrink wrap? We charge $10 a foot. :huh:

Personally, I've always preferred a high quality, custom, breathable cover. As noted above, they do get heavy. Some places will make them in sections - a friend of mine had a custom cover made for his '01 310DA that way. It was even made to go all the way down to just under the chine. No way that would have been manageable in one piece.

If you use shrink, be sure to install a few vents.

I'll add a big "second" to the comment above about blue/green plastic tarps not being a good idea.

Also, never use a cover on top of a cover.

Those covers that come in sections are made by Fisher Canvas. GREAT winter storage option. Check them out here: http://www.fishercanvas.com/