Covering a sailboat mast up can
seem like a very daunting proposition at first, but it takes only a couple of
more steps than shrinkwrapping a mast down boat. Following the directions below and watching
the training CD at least twice will
minimize any problems.
1.
Install
your strapping fore and aft on the boat from the highest points at the bow and
stern. The strapping will be tied around
the mast from the stern and then around the mast from the bow (if the boom is left on, it can become part
of the support structure aft of the mast, but you must put a 2” x 4” upright
under the rear of the boom to give it strength). Pull the strapping tight as you normally
would, measure and install your wooden uprights as on a mast down boat, put
your lateral straps over the wooden uprights, or boom, and pad them.
2.
Install
the perimeter band following the CD instructions.
3.
Go
aboard the boat with a 25’ tape measure.
Measure from the mast back to the farthest point aft (top of the stern
rail). To this figure add 2 feet which
will extend aft of the mast and 4 feet that will drape over the bow (a total of
6 extra feet).
4.
Now
measure from the mast forward (top of the bow rail or pulpit). To this figure add on 2 feet which will
extend aft of the mast and 4 feet that will drape over the bow (a total of 6
extra feet).
5.
Next
cut your roll of shrinkwrap the measurement from the mast back. Roll it up and take it onto the boat. Lay the roll over the support structure or
boom and open it enough to measure and find the center. Make a 2’ lengthwise slit in the shrinkwrap
at the center of the wrap. This slit
area will be wrapped around the mast to form a collar. Once you have a collar formed, take the roll
of heat shrink tape and go around the collar twice very tightly (do not stick tape directly to the mast as
there might be an adhesive residue in the spring).
6.
Unroll
the aft section of shrinkwrap towards the stern (do not unfold its entire width
yet; the wind might catch it). Go aft as
far as possible, until you run into the aft stays. Now you can unfold the shrinkwrap and have it
lay as straight fore and aft, and side to side, as possible. Using your wrap cutting knife make slits in
the shrinkwrap up to stays and halyards.
They should be as neat as possible.
Use strips of heat shrink tape to seal them and then apply heat to warm
the adhesives (press tape down firmly to remove all air bubbles).
7.
Trim
and tuck the shrinkwrap under the perimeter band on the boat so that wind
doesn’t catch it.
8.
Now
the shrinkwrap piece at the bow can be attached. It is done in a similar fashion as the aft
piece. Place the measured piece of wrap
just forward of the mast; find the center and slice into it 2 feet. Make a collar around the mast tightly and
tape around it. Unroll the wrap toward
the bow up to the forestay. Slice the
wrap to the forestay and roll it over the bow.
Tape the slit together and unfold the shrinkwrap.
9.
Run
a strip of tape from the mast down to each side of the shrinkwrap where the
forward and aft pieces meet. Use the heat tool to warm the adhesives in the
tape and actually heat weld the pieces of shrinkwrap together.
10. Trim and tuck the forward piece
under the perimeter band. Shrinkwrap the
boat according to CD.
Please call us at
(800) 968-5147 with any questions.
This shrinkwrap can burn. If
heat is applied incorrectly, shrinkwrap can ignite into open flame. It can also drop down on to other combustible
material and cause secondary ignition and fire.
If at any time you observe the shrinkwrap on fire, immediately stop what
you are doing and carefully inspect the area where you are working for a
possible fire. Keep a fire extinguisher
available at all times!