Boat Shrink Wrap Size Chart: How to Choose the Right Width

Choosing the right size boat shrink wrap is important for getting full coverage, reducing waste, and protecting your boat during storage. Boat shrink wrap needs to be wide enough to cover the beam of the boat, the height of the support structure, and enough material to come down the sides for securing.

A simple way to estimate the shrink wrap width you need is:

Boat Beam + Height + Height + Extra Coverage = Recommended Film Width

Or:

Beam + 2 x Height + Extra Coverage = Film Width

The "height" should be measured from the highest point of the support structure down to where you want the shrink wrap to end. The extra coverage gives you room to secure the film below the rub rail or around the perimeter.

Boat Shrink Wrap Sizing Chart

Boat / Wrap Measurement	Recommended Shrink Wrap Width
Small boats, personal watercraft, narrow equipment	12' wide
Small fishing boats or low-profile boats	14' wide
Small to mid-size boats with moderate height	16' wide
Mid-size boats, runabouts, fishing boats	17' wide
Mid-size boats needing slightly more coverage	18' wide
Common choice for many standard boats	20' wide
Larger boats or boats with higher support framing	24' wide
Larger boats with added height or width	26' wide
Wide boats, taller covers, or extra side coverage	28' wide
Larger boats or applications needing broad coverage	32' wide
Large boats, tall structures, or oversized coverage	36' wide
Very large boats or industrial coverage	40' wide
Extra-large boats or heavy-duty industrial applications	50' wide

Example: How to Use the Chart

If your boat has an 8' beam and the height from the top of the support structure to the coverage point is 5', the calculation would be:

8 + 5 + 5 + 2 = 20'

In this example, a 20' wide boat shrink wrap roll would usually be a good starting point.

If your calculation falls between two sizes, it is usually best to choose the next larger roll size. For example, if your calculation comes out to 23', a 24' wide roll would be a better choice than trying to make a 20' roll work.

Available Boat Shrink Wrap Widths

Boat shrink wrap is available in multiple widths to fit different boat sizes and storage needs, including:

Available Width	Common Use
12'	Small boats, personal watercraft, compact equipment
14'	Small boats and low-profile applications
16'	Small to mid-size boats
17'	Mid-size boats and common winterization jobs
18'	Mid-size boats needing more coverage
20'	Standard boat storage and winterization
24'	Larger boats and taller support frames
26'	Larger or wider boats
28'	Wide boats or added side coverage
32'	Large boats and broader coverage needs
36'	Large boats with tall structures
40'	Very large boats or industrial use
50'	Extra-large boats and heavy-duty coverage

White vs. Blue Boat Shrink Wrap

Boat shrink wrap is commonly available in white and blue.

White boat shrink wrap is ideal for most applications because it reflects heat, helps maintain more consistent temperatures, and can help reduce moisture buildup.

Blue boat shrink wrap is often used in heavy snow regions because it absorbs more heat, which can help snow shed from the cover. However, blue shrink wrap is generally not recommended for transport or milder climates where overheating may be a concern.

Tips for Choosing the Right Size

When choosing boat shrink wrap, keep these tips in mind:

Measure the boat at its widest point.
Include windshields, rails, towers, motors, and support framing.
Allow enough material to come down the sides.
Choose the next size up if your measurement falls between two widths.
Use extra width for boats with tall or irregular shapes.
Avoid choosing a roll that is too narrow, because it may not provide complete coverage.

Final Thoughts

The easiest way to choose the right boat shrink wrap size is to measure the boat's beam, measure the height of the cover structure, and add extra coverage for securing the film.

Use this formula:

Beam + 2 x Height + Extra Coverage = Recommended Film Width

Then choose the closest available roll width that meets or exceeds your measurement. Using the right size boat shrink wrap helps create a stronger, cleaner cover and better protection during storage.

Jul 7th 2026 Susan