Enciclopedia de yates
Shrink-wrap
Shrink-wrap for yacht winter storage: weather skin role, venting needs, survey limits, and FairHelm caution on equating wrap with full winterisation.
Qué es
Shrink-wrap is a heat-shrunk plastic film stretched over a support frame to shed snow and rain during layup, usually with doors and vents cut for access and airflow.
Anchor
Many Nordic yards FairHelm knows offer shrink-wrap as a storage package add-on. Poor venting grows mould; overtight film can stress pulpits and canvas. Door placement decides whether surveyors can still reach seacocks and engines without full unwrap.
FairHelm judgment
FairHelm judgment: wrap is a weather skin, not proof of engine antifreeze, battery care, or dry bilges. Ask what the package included. Torn wrap with ponding water is a storage quality flag.
Limits
We invent no snow-load ratings. Yard practice and frame design dominate. Do not weld DIY heat guns near fuel vapours.
Preguntas frecuentes
Q: Is shrink-wrap better than a canvas cover?
A: Different trade-offs. Wrap sheds snow well; breathability and reuse differ. Neither replaces systems work.
Q: Must every wrapped boat run a dehumidifier?
A: Many benefit. Design vents and power with the yard.
Q: Can I survey through shrink-wrap?
A: Limited. Plan access panels or partial open with the yard.