I cover my boat each year (on the hard) and have experimented with several methods and materials. I did my own shrink wrapping for a few years but for a while the boatyard I'm in (and many others) hasn't permitted customers to do their own shrink wrap. Probably a money thing mostly but I understand their point of view, from a safety perspective not having people walking around with flame throwers... Anyway I have been using clear laminated plastic sheet for covering the boat. This is plastic sheet that is 2 layers with a layer of mesh string scrim sandwiched between the layers. It is mostly used in construction for covering open areas such as the facades of buildings being worked on and also for making "temporary" greenhouses and shelters (some of which last for years). It comes in different weights/thicknesses. Depending on the thickness, it can last anywhere from a season to several seasons. It does not tear easily because of the scrim (you cannot rip it by hand for instance). I like the clear stuff as opposed to white (this goes for shrink wrap also)because it keeps the boat warm during the day; I've worked on the boat in the winter when its been freezing outside, but on a sunny day it can be 30 degrees or more warmer inside. This stuff is available from construction supply places and greenhouse supply; it's worth shopping around as the price varies a lot. Comes in big rolls. I have an elaborate frame with standing headroom made of conduit and Kover Klamps which works great, but I've also made a quick and dirty frame from furring strips and cheap lumber. You can staple the plastic to wood. It does not have to be absolutely tight like shrink wrap; it can take quite a bit of flapping around in the wind and won't rip, just tight enough to shed water. My boat has a slotted toe rail so I screw furring on the outside through the toe rail slots into blocks of furring on the inside using decking screws and screw gun and staple the plastic to the furring; no ropes needed at all. So far this system has worked well and is pretty inexpensive.