Friday, March 15, 2024

Cost To Shrink Wrap Boat

There’s A Roadblock In The Plastic Circular Economy

Shrink Wrapping a Boat DIY

Creating a sustainable system for recycling plastics is tricky, Vergano said, because in order to get things done, there needs to be a business model that works. The ultimate goal, she said, is for shrink wrap to be re-processed back into shrink wrap, but volume is the sticking point.

To get a major corporation like Poly-America interested, she said, would require a much larger supply of material.

Wool said companies want to include recycled material in their products and packaging and many have set goals.

The reality is that they cant get their hands on enough recycled plastic to meet these goals that theyre setting, he said. The infrastructure is not in place to sort it and get it into a place where it can be reused and recycled.

As a shining example of what is possible, Vergano points to the program Clean Ocean Access set up for the little island of Nantucket.

“Space and waste are big concerns out on the island,” she said. “At one point they were buying bags directly from a company called Dr. Shrink out of Michigan. They were buying collection bags that included the cost of FedEx-ing the bags all the way back to Michigan.

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The cost was somewhere in the vicinity of $70 per bag, Vergano said. Clean Ocean Access worked with Dr. Shrink and marinas on the island to bring that down to $35 per bag.

How A Boat Is Shrink

The first step is to clean and dry a boat entirely before the shrink-wrapping process, including any storage space or drawers. Its also important to remove any potential source of moisture on board such as personal flotation devices or any item that may have leftover water or moisture.

Any item that may attract insects or pests should also be removed, along with batteries and electronics.

Center support, usually made of wood, should be placed at the center of the boat and padded or carpeted. This support also creates the necessary angle to allow water and snow to easily slide off the shrink-wrap surface.

The shrink-wrap is placed over the boat and should reach up to a certain part of the boats hull. It should be well-vented to help prevent any buildup of moisture. This venting is placed in specific key areas.

The shrink-wrap is exposed to heat using a heat gun or a torch to tighten the shrink-wrap on the boat, with any holes patched using shrink-wrap tape.

A cord or tape is used running from one side of the shrink wrap to the other going under the boat. Boat shrink-wrap that has been applied and removed properly may be reused.

Tips For Preparing Your Boat For Shrink Wrapping

Before you start shrink-wrapping your boat, there are a few things you need to do to get ready.

  • Clean the boat thoroughly. Make sure all dirt, dust, and debris are removed.
  • Remove any objects that may block the shrink wrap from fitting snugly around the boat. This includes antennas, masts, and flags.
  • Inspect the boat for any holes or cracks. These need to be repaired before shrink wrapping.
  • Always make sure the boat is completely dry before shrink wrapping. Any moisture will cause the wrap not to adhere properly.
  • Ensure that the site is debris free and has enough space to work around the boat. Access to a power outlet is also required.
  • Now you are ready to start shrink-wrapping your boat.

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    Installing Vinyl Wrap On A Boat

    The video above shows how to install a vinyl wrap on a boat very well. Just a couple reminders to be thinking of before you begin. First, it would be best if you can find a place indoors to do this project. A controlled atmosphere can be a big benefit.

    My boat is large and I am going to be wrapping it outdoors . I am going to be battling:

    • Wind blowing my wrap material around.
    • Sun beating down on me and causing glare.
    • Rain delays possible.
    • Dirt, dust, bugs, and bird poop potentially getting on the surface.

    If you have the ability to find an indoor location for vinyl wrapping your boat, you will save yourself some potential headaches.

    Before you hang your vinyl in preparation for application, be absolutely sure you have ALL you tools ready. Dont try to wrap your boat by yourself if at all possible. Wait for a time when you can have another person with you.

    A helper should also take the time to understand the vinyl wrapping process also. It is going to be easier if you dont have to explain everything you are doing and that they should be doing. Have them at least watch the above video.

    Lastly, dont be in a hurry. Pick a time for the project so that you wont feel rushed at all. If you have a deadline to get the boat wrap done, expect mistakes.

    How Much Does It Cost To Shrink Wrap A Boat

    DR. SHRINK Wrap

    When the boating season comes to a close, and the weather takes a turn for the cooler, winterizing your boat is an essential part of taking care of it for the season. Between fuel stabilizing, antifreeze, and storage, there’s a lot to take care of before the winter rolls around and starts to impact your boat. But what about shrink wrapping?

    While it can be simple to buy a boat cover or to find storage for your ship, shrink wrapping provides an alternative option. The process involves setting a polyethylene material around your boat, which shrinks when exposed to extreme heat to form an airtight seal to withstand the elements and prevent UV damage.

    But how much does it cost to shrink wrap a boat? And is it worth the investment?

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    Transforming Plastic Film Into Pellets For Re

    Erema, a company in Austria, manufactures machines that re-process all kinds of post-consumer plastics, everything from thin film to heavy rigid film. Erema North America, a subsidiary, handles equipment demonstrations and sales from a facility on Old Right Road in Ipswich.

    Greg Wool, Erema NA vice president of sales, said the company has 1,000 machines installed in North America that transform waste plastics into pellets that can then be re-used in the manufacture of other products.

    Typically, he said, customers pair an Erema machine with equipment that first washes and shreds the material. The Erema machine then melts and filters the polymer and transforms it into pellets.

    Erema’s machines consume electricity and are rated according to how much plastic they produce. In general, Wool said, costs can range from 0.25 to 0.35 kilowatts per kilogram of plastic processed.

    The washing process, however, also uses water and can involve caustic chemicals depending on the type of plastic and its contaminants.

    Overview Of Boat Shrink Wrapping

    Boat shrink wrapping can be in different colours, such as blue and white but white happens to be the most common colour among many customers because it is attractive. According to Scott boat Services, a blue colour shrink wrap can heat up better than the white colour on a sunny day, shedding out the snow better. During shrink wrapping, the boat will be framed, the gas vent will be taped, the belly band will be installed, and then the boat will be shrink-wrapped. After every successful shrink wrap, the exterior part of the boat will be inspected and cleaned for smoothness.

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    The Gauge Of Your Shrink Film

    Shrink wrap gauge is one of the most important dynamics to get right regarding your packaging line. Using the wrong gauge could result in thousands upon thousands of wasted dollars, not to mention wasted material and time.

    When a person discusses their shrink film gauge, what they are talking about is the thickness of the shrink wrap. Again, gauge = thickness. A higher gauge means a thicker film. This thickness can be measured by gauge or mil. Mil thickness is a technical metric and industry standard. Gauge is a commonly used term used in place of mil by industry insiders.

    A mil is exactly one-thousandth of an inch . Oddly enough, in the packaging industry, when we discuss premium shrink films, we usually use the term gauge rather than mil, e.g., 45 gauge, 60 gauge, 75 gauge, and so on. That being said, when speaking about polyethylene film, mils is the most common way youll hear thickness described.

    To understand the conversion of mil to gauge, you simply need to multiply the number of mills by 100. This element of calculating gauge is known as the conversion factor. So, 1 mil x 100 = 100 gauge.

    If you need help calculating the correct gauge of film for your products or are unsure if you are currently using the right gauge, you can read more about the gauge of shrink wrap here.

    Need Help Choosing The Right Shrink Film?

    How Much Does It Cost To Have Your Boat Encased In Shrink Wrap

    How to shrink wrap a boat by yourself – the easy and affordable way

    Having your boat encased in shrink wrap for the winter isnt cheap. Professional boat shrink wrappers use the boats size to determine the final amount. When you have the boat covered by a professional, you should plan on spending $12-25 per square foot. You can save a little money if you do the work yourself.

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    The Type Of Shrink Film

    When buying shrink wrap, you are generally going to be choosing from three main types of film. There is polyolefin, polyethylene, and PVC. Depending on what you are packaging, one type of film may be a good choice while another may not.

    Understanding the differences between PVC, polyolefin, and polythene shrink film is the first step to choosing the film that is right for your packaging line and products.

    In addition to each of these unique formulations of film, there is another type of film to consider. Printed shrink wrap is a super premium film that can be printed with branding, logos, and other graphic dynamics, which can significantly increase the shelf appeal of your products.

    is significantly more expensive than regular shrink wrap, but it also offers some significant ROI and benefits that you can not get from clear shrink film.

    Preparing A Boat For Wrap

    Getting a boat ready to be vinyl wrapped can be labor intensive if there is hull damage or a lot of decals to be removed. Removing stickers can be a pain. Sometimes when you use a heat gun to warm the sticker, the glue will sometimes stay behind.

    If you are left with glue residue on the boat, you could use a chemical to remove it. The problem is, this can take a long time depending on the type of adhesive that was used. There is another option. The 3M Stripe Off Wheel and arbor, with part number 07498.

    This is a 4 rubber wheel and a matching arbor to put into your drill. The rubber is like an eraser type of compound and really strips the decals right off quite easily and cleanly. I removed the decals off my boat with a lot of labor and a heat gun. I got the 3M wheel to remove the leftover adhesive.

    I wouldnt go through this again. I should have just used the 3M Stripe Off Wheel from the beginning. It would have saved me a ton of time. You can remove stickers from virtually anything, so its a great tool to keep around.

    As far as scratches and gouges in the hull, you will want to repair them so that the surface is nice and even. Any significant scratch may show through your vinyl wrap. You can always test the area by applying a small piece of your vinyl over the scratch to see if it shows. Once you know the results, just peel off the vinyl.

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    The Average Cost To Shrink Wrap A Boat

    Protecting your boat when it is stored somewhere should be your top priority. In case you opt for shrink wrap, this article talks about how much that will cost you so that you can decide if you are getting your money’s worth.

    So what is the average cost to shrink wrap a boat per foot?

    • For powerboats, it will cost between $12 – $25 per foot on average
    • For sailboats, it will cost between $12 – $25 per foot on average
    • For sailboats, expect a $2 – $3 dollar price increase if you leave the mast up.

    Cost of optional wrapping features:

    • Anti-moisture bags: $8 each
    • Adding an entrance: $30 – $40
    • Anti-mold spray typically costs an additional $50
    • Vents for mold protection cost on average $4 each
    • Shrink-wrapping a boat in the water costs on average $100 – $150 extra

    Let me break these numbers down a bit so that you know what you are paying for and if there are ways to make this cost less. Or more. Whatever floats your boat.

    Before I do that though, let me point out that I am just talking about reasonable prices here. Of course, you might find a company that will do the job for one-quarter of the price if they are just starting up and the discount will be a part of their promotion. Or if you stumble upon a crafty person who does this on their own out of their garage, their price list will look more friendly than the costs I specify here, meaning they could make you an offer as low as 8 dollars per foot.

    Should You Shrinkwrap Your Own Boat

    Boat Shrink Wrapping

    You or the yard: The best choice for shrink-wrapping your boat.

    For detailed step-by-step DIY information, watch these instructional videos, courtesy of Dr. Shrink.

    The season is just about over and its time to put the old girl to bed for the winter. Encasing your boat in shrink-wrap is a great way to protect it from harsh elements and keep it clean. But is it a worthwhile DIY project, or should you holster the heat gun and leave the job for the yard?

    The YardThe yard has a few things in its favor. One, said Mark Friel, manager of the Brewer Yacht Yard in Glen Cove, New York, is liability. Here youve got a person running around with an open flame, Friel said. Hes working around gas vents and fiberglass. Weve got skilled workers and also insurance.

    It would take a yard like Friels Brewer facility anywhere from two to four hours to wrap a 26-foot center-console for winter storage. Friel didnt quote a price, but like most yards, his charges by the foot for shrink-wrap service. Flying bridges, radar arches or other appendages typically increase the price.

    Doing a quick online survey of yards across the country, prices ranged anywhere from $25 per foot up to $60 per foot for boats 30 feet or less. There are mobile shrink-wrap services that will travel to your boat some cost as little as $10 per foot but make sure their prices include materials and that they have insurance should they damage your boat.

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    How Can I Save Money

    With any professional service, always get at least three quotes before deciding on one. Most shrink wrapping companies will be more than happy to provide you a quote over the phone. The only thing that they will need, most of the time, is the size of the boat and the make and model.

    Consider shrink wrapping the boat on your own. A roll of wrap that can last many years and can cost less than $200.

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    Where Can I Calculate My Shrink Film Width

    If you are like me and you absolutely hate doing math, why go through all the trouble to calculate your film width yourself when you can use our free shrink film width calculator?

    With these free calculators, you can bypass doing all the work and get the information you need to purchase the correct roll of shrink film ASAP!

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    People Also Ask Is Shrink Wrapping A Boat A Good Idea

    Shrink wrapping your boat will answer all your needs for winter storage as it will prevent animals and rodents from entering, and shrink wrap is non permeable and will prevent moisture from getting inside your boat and having mildew grow inside your boat over the wintertime. You can also ask how long does shrink wrap last on a boat? However, we’ve seen the occasional customer keep our wrap on their boat for years with success ? but it’s not typical. In short, it all depends on the stress presented by the environment, but 6 months to a year is a reasonable expectation.

    What Is Shrink Wrap And What Are Its Benefits

    How to Shrink Wrap a Pontoon Boat // Dr. Shrink, Inc.

    Shrinkwrap is a thermoplastic material used to protect and package products. It is shrinkable plastic that can be heat-sealed around an object, then heated to make it conform snugly to the objects shape.

    Shrinkwrap is a versatile material because it can be used for many purposes. It can be put on boats as an added protection measure or commercially to protect things like electronics and food products, shipped off in large quantities, or even applied to clothing to help it keep its original shape. Shrinkwrap is available in a variety of thicknesses and colors.

    Shrinkwrap has many benefits, including:

    • Protection from the sun, wind, and rain
    • It prevents scratches and other damage
    • Keeps the boat clean and free of dust and debris
    • Can be used for storage or transportation
    • Shrinkwrap can also help to prevent rust and corrosion

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    The Width Of Your Shrink Film

    One of the first things you need to figure out is the correct width of shrink film for your application. At first glance, you might think that choosing the right width of shrink wrap is simple, but it can be slightly confusing.

    To choose the correct width, you need to identify several aspects of your film. These include:

    • The type of sealer you will be using

    When you have these measurements, you can use our free shrink film width calculator to help determine the proper width to purchase.

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