For long-term storage, at least six months in the case of seasonal vehicles, heavy-duty poly tarps are ideal. Made out of rip-stop polyethylene, such tarps are treated to be UV resistant, waterproof, rot proof, and mildew resistant. As a result, the material, when surrounding a boat or RV, blocks out the sunlight and keeps the water from accumulating directly on the surface.

If you own such a vehicle, know that these elements can damage the surface – and even internal parts – over time. UV rays fade and crack a vehicle’s surface and can even damage internal parts. Water that accumulates wears away the surface and attracts mold, mildew, and dry rot, which further damage the vehicle. Because such a vehicle was a significant investment, don’t you want to get all you can out of it?

To cover your boat or RV with a poly tarp, find material that’s the right size. Before purchasing any tarp, measure the height, length, and width of a vehicle, and include all add-ons and appendages in your dimensions. A tarp should be able to cover all of this. For RVs, additionally, manufacturers also make tarps specifically shaped for the vehicle. But, no matter the size, shape, or vehicle being stored, the tarp needs to be secured. To prevent the tarp from blowing away or moving in the winter, secure it with bungee cords or clips.

Shrink wrapping a boat is similar to shrink wrapping for any other product, but the primary downside of shrink wrapping a boat is its lack of breathability. The typical material is a plastic, flame-retardant UVI (UV inhibitor) which, when used with heat shrinking or welding methods, seals in moisture. Although the material is somewhat better than not protecting a boat, the sealed moisture will lead to mildew and dry rot. In addition, a heat shrinking package for a boat costs about $200 for storage for one year.

For the most economical option, tarping a boat with a heavy-duty poly tarp is your best bet. Although the tarp will typically last one winter, its durability to the elements will protect your boat. Polyethylene, as a material, is a breathable material will keep out moisture but, due to a high dernier of fabric weave, the polyethylene will also keep out moisture. In addition, a heavy-duty poly tarp is often UV treated and will protect the paint from fading and surface material from cracking.

A long term option for protecting a boat is a portable garage. A portable garage can store other vehicles during the year but the structure is breathable and, like a tarp, is UV treated, as well as anti-fungal treated, and will keep out water and UV rays and will allow for air circulation.