Wrapping Boats Kept in Dry Stack Storage

Dry stack storage is popular in Florida and many other boating areas. Boats are kept on racks inside or under a roof and moved in and out of the water by forklift. This keeps hulls out of the water between trips, but it also means forks and rack bunks touch the hull every time the boat is moved.

Where contact happens#

Every dry stack marina handles boats a little differently, but contact usually happens at:

The forklift forks, under the hull
Rack bunks or supports, under the hull or at the chines
The hull sides, if the boat swings or shifts during lifting

Ask the marina how your boat will be lifted and stored, and look at where the bunks and forks sit on your hull.

Plan the wrap around contact points#

The simplest protection is to keep the wrap clear of contact areas. For most boats, this means ending the film above where forks and bunks touch. If graphics must go lower, consider protection film in those areas. Let the marina know which areas are wrapped, so staff can take extra care.

Benefits of dry stack for a wrap#

Dry stack storage can actually help a wrap in some ways:

Less time in the water means less waterline growth
Covered racks keep sun off for much of the time
Boats are usually rinsed after use

A boat stored under a roof may fade more slowly than one left in an open slip all year.

Washing at the marina#

Many dry stack marinas wash boats when they come out of the water. Make sure staff know the boat is wrapped and ask what they use. Strong pressure aimed at edges and harsh cleaners can damage film. Our pressure washing guide explains safer methods, and you can share it with the marina.

Inspections#

Check the lower edges of the wrap and the areas near contact points regularly. Look for scuffs, lifting, or marks from forks. Catching small issues early keeps repairs simple.