Shrinkwrap

R

Rick D

Member
Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2010
RO Number
32381
Messages
799
Hello all.

My boat is currently shrink wrapped. If I need to drop a genny in via a forklift, is it possible to pull back the shrink wrap from the cockpit area and when done, pull it back over and resecure?

The shrink wrap is currently pulled across the backside of transom near the swim platform with a nylon cord. I imagine I could cut this cord, pull it up over the radar arch and when done, pull it back down and re-attach the nylon cord... no?

--Rick
 
It depends on how tight it is. You could also cut it and then tape it back together with shrinkwrap tape.
 
No problem, I do it every year when I reuse the shrink wrap. It may be more difficult when very cold. Tie some nylon cord to the ends before you cut it so when it travels inside you can pull them back to tie it up again.
 
Yes, nothin' to it. You could also install a zipper if you'll have to get in and out a few times. You lay the zipper against the shrink wrap and heat it. Then unzip and cut the shrinkwrap for access.
 
I would not cut the band around the bottom of the boat, that band keeps the wrap tight. There is also a strap that runs from the bow to the back of the boat, do not cut that one either.

Your best bet is to slice the shrinkwrap open in u shape, to allow you to drop the genny in. You can then tape the "u" closed using shrink tape. Before you cut the shrinkwrap, clean the area you are going to cut. The tape will not stick if it is dirty.

You could put a door in, but I do not know if you will find a door big enough for your genny. The other plus with a door, is you can use it not only the rest of this season, but save it to use for several seasons.

I have customers that have been using the same door for four or more seasons.
 
If it were me, I'd do as above, cut an opening then re-seal.
 
I have a door in the shrink wrap now... but there is no way a genny is going to fit through there primarily because of its location and proximity to the transom.

I could put a door in up higher so it's more like a window... could probably get the genny through... but at 300 lbs, most the repositiong is going to be done by the fork lift and I worry the door is not going to be large enough. I've read several posts by people who reuse their wrap year after year (something I was planning on doing) so it would see like I should be able to peel back the wrap by cutting the taught nylon along the bottom edge and when done, pulling the nylon back and tying it back up (with the use of attached string to the nylon of course).

--Rick
 
Or you could wait a few weeks until the shrink wrap comes off. I would not hesitate to cut a large enough opening to do what you need to, and then put the cut out back and seal with shrink wrap tape.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Gregory S

Or you could wait a few weeks until the shrink wrap comes off. I would not hesitate to cut a large enough opening to do what you need to, and then put the cut out back and seal with shrink wrap tape.

Click to expand...


+1
 
Nah, cut the band but try and slide the shrink wrap to the left and tot he right to give you extra length of band(before cutting it otherwise the band shoots into the wrap and it's game over. normall yyou'll find an opening at each corner of the transom. Make sure you have extra length of band then cut. I actually put two pairs of vice grips on to make sure they don't fly back inside the seam.

then tie the ends in loops. when you put it back tie a length of rope to one loop, pull it thru the other loop and pull to snug. 12 years I have had two shrink wrap jobs. Just keep re-using it!
 
Ditto... I have been using re-using my shrink wrap for 3 years now. No problem at all, but definatly add length to string ends before you let go of them. Each side add 5-10 feet, then you will be able to retie.
 
I think Rick may have lost his ends...game over...
 
BEFORE YOU CUT: Tape off the outside of the cut with at least 4" shrinkwrap tape, then cut inside that. Will keep it from pulling and stretching too much out of shape while it's open.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top