DIY tape stripe replacement

[ski36short]

I've got to replace one of the tape stripes on my boat as the old one is coming off on one complete side of the hull. Any tips? Best left to professionals? I usually leave cosmetics to experienced professionals but I have been offered "semi-professional" help with the process. Comments on surface prep? Minimum temperature to apply the new stuff? Cure time before waxing over it/getting it wet? Etc.

I have replacement tape from CC so hopefully it's better than the OEM roll they used.

[ffmedic74]

RE: DIY tape stripe replacement

I would recomment buying the tape from the CC dealer and having a seeing if you can have a body shop tech do it for you as a side job. There is definitely an art to striping well. Just make sure they get the wax off the boat in the taping area first to ensure good adhesion.

[Deester]

RE: DIY tape stripe replacement

I am by no means any kind of a striping guy. But, on my '90 snob, I did as you and bought the tape from CC, and then did it myself. It turned out great and it was cool to have done it myself. Do some searches on the net about how to apply, make some notes, and then give it a shot. The worst you could be out is another roll of tape, thats how I looked at it anyway. Give it a shot. Good luck.

[Nates78Ski]

RE: DIY tape stripe replacement

I'm w/ Deester, try it yourself, the worst case scenario you're out a roll of tape. But in reality it's really not all that tough to do, just be patient, when i got my car repainted a couple years ago, i bought some pinstriping afterward, did it myself and added a couple little changes to it and it looks perfect, only wasted probably like 2-3 ft. Good Luck

Nate

[DanielC]

RE: DIY tape stripe replacement

Wait for a reasonably warm day. Wash the boat. Get some clean rags.
Rub down the area where the new tape is going to be, with rubbing alcohol. Start at the bow, and follow the gelcoat line around the boat, stretching the tape very slightly. Just very lightly touch the tape to the hull, until you are sure where you want the tape to be. when you are sure, firmly push the tape on the hull. Try not to drag along the length of the tape, sometimes it can move slightly, and you will have a bubble of excess tape. When the tape is pressed down, you can wax the boat right away. If the rolls of tape are as long as they used to be (150 feet) you should have enough tape to do your boat about three times. Trim the joint under the bow with a very sharp knife, or a razor blade.

[ski36short]

RE: DIY tape stripe replacement

Thanks guys. I do have the tape from the CC dealer. Just waiting for that "warm day" thing! Snow returns tonight! Yellow_Flash_Colorz: I think this weekend I'm going to kick on the garage furnace and "Git R Done".