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Shrink Wrap Ventilation?
habit68
Member Posts: 111 ✭✭
Hi gang, I have a 2005 250FV and was wondering if I shrink wrap my boat do I need to but vents in the shrink wrap where the engine vents are on the side of the boat (i.e. the 2 vent holes on each side of the boat) or do I need to worry about this? I understand i should put 3 or 4 vents in the shrink wrap on the top of the cover to vent cockpit but is venting the engine compartment a good idea also?
Thanks!!
Comments
TO: SERVICE MANAGER TECHNICIANS PARTS MANAGER
No. 95-22
service bulletin
This is a copy of a Service Bulletin being sent to all boat builders. We wanted to make you aware of the problems that can occur with shrink wrapped boats. If you shrink wrap boats for storage, make sure moisture and condensation can vent out from the engine compart- ment.
Shrink Wrapping Boats Models
All MerCruiser Stern Drive, Ski and Inboard Models
Problem
MerCruiser has been getting complaints from dealers about engines in new boats being rusty and/ or covered with droplets of water. Further investigation reveals that the boat was shrink wrapped at the boat company before it was shipped to the dealer.
Shrink-wrapping a boat is an ideal way to protect it during storage or shipment. However, it can also be the reason the engine is rusty or have droplets of water all over it. Caution must be taken to en- sure that the engine compartment and other areas of the boat under the shrink-wrap are vented properly to get rid of condensation. Failure to do this will result in rusty engines and similar types of failure to other components in the boat.
Venting the shrink wrap in the cockpit area of the boat is generally not sufficient to ensure proper ventilation of the engine compartment. Shrink-wrap should not cover any of the engine compart- ment vents.
Warranty
MerCruiser will not honor any warranty for rusty or damaged engines caused by poor ventilation in shrink wrapped boats. MerCruiser s painting process is designed to withstand the elements an engine is subjected to in a vented, covered engine compartment. It is not designed to withstand a non-vented or improperly vented shrink-wrap that traps all the moisture and condensation.
Printed in U.S.A.
95-22 1195
Well, I never had a boat whrink wrapped in the last 14 years. That said, here in MD, we are very limited on inside storage & to move a 400 to find it, would be a bit crazy. Shrink wrap is $17+/ft. I've always had a custom made cover that will last for 10-15 years if taken care of. My boat is kept on a lift, with a cover that has proper ventilation. You can also raise the hatch just a bit to help circulate air. I keep one of those large tubs of damp rid in the cokpit area. I have never had rust in my ER (& I'm anal about all that for sure, heck, I wax my outdrives & touch up the skegs). You can also use a lubricant on your engines that help with moisture (such as foggin spray).
Here are pics of my 310 & the 400 (the 400 is fmba's boat, but we had both our cover's made together at the same place - I don't have pics on this computer).
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express