Glossary

Shrink Wrap

Heat-shrunk polyethylene cover applied to boats for winter storage.

Full definition

Shrink wrap is a thick polyethylene film applied to boats for winter storage. Installers wrap the entire boat hull and superstructure in the film, then use heat guns to shrink it into a tight, waterproof cover. Properly applied shrink wrap blocks rain, snow, ice, UV, falling debris, rodents, and birds. Includes ventilation patches to prevent moisture buildup. Lifespan: one season (typically discarded each spring). More effective than canvas covers because there are no seams to leak. Drawbacks: not reusable, requires professional installation, and the plastic waste goes to landfill at season-end (some areas have recycling programs).

Pricing note

Shrink-wrap service typically runs $15-$25 per linear foot of boat length, so $300-$700 for a 25-foot boat.

Related terms

Winterization

FAQs about Shrink Wrap

What is shrink wrap?

Heat-shrunk polyethylene cover applied to boats for winter storage.

Why does shrink wrap matter for vehicle storage?

Shrink wrap is a thick polyethylene film applied to boats for winter storage. Installers wrap the entire boat hull and superstructure in the film, then use heat guns to shrink it into a tight, waterproof cover.

How much does shrink wrap cost?

Shrink-wrap service typically runs $15-$25 per linear foot of boat length, so $300-$700 for a 25-foot boat.

What terms are related to shrink wrap?

Related terms: Winterization, boat-cover. See the StowHelp glossary for full definitions.

Citation: StowHelp (2026). Shrink Wrap. Vehicle Storage Glossary. Retrieved from https://stowhelp.com/glossary/shrink-wrap. Licensed under CC-BY 4.0.

Find boat storage near you

Browse 8,700+ facilities with real pricing and reviews.

Search Storage