Waterline coloured tape

[RogerLS]

I tried putting an allegedly waterproof tape along the waterline this season. It lasted less than a month.
Can you recommend a type of tape that I can stick on the boat that will last for several years? NB I have a thin automobile black tape that has been on the boat above the waterline for at least 10 years.

 

[rob2]

I'm more interested in the replies than offering anything here! Was the waterproof tape a self adhesive PVC or a vinyl stripe from the signwriters? Every day one sees the larger racing boats with adverts (sponsors names) on their topsides down to the waterline, I guess they don't change them every month and I believe they're the same sort of decal as most use for yacht names.

Rob.

 

[lustyd]

I bought cove line tape at marine superstore and its been on for 2 years now. Only about £7 too so compared to a yacht quite cheap

 

[VicMallows]

Proper sign-writing vinyl tape, applied correctly, should last many years even if near the waterline and splashed frequently. What do you think is on the sides of all those vans you see?. Usually people complain that they can't get it off .... but easy enough with a hot air gun or hairdryer. (please no silly comments).

 

[AllanG]

I bought cove line tape at marine superstore and its been on for 2 years now. Only about £7 too so compared to a yacht quite cheap

I also used Coveline tape on my Legend yacht which I previously owned, and it was still in great condition when I sold the boat four years later.

 

[RogerLS]

I like the idea of cove line tape. Many thanks I'll try some. The tape that failed was bought from a chandlers in Sweden and was, as I said, useless. I have seen thicker tape on a lot of boats acting as a decorative element and obviously applied by the manufacturer. This sometimes shrinks a bit after a decade or so. This might be the vinyl tape that was also mentioned.

 

[irl2605]

Waterline tape

I like the idea of cove line tape. Many thanks I'll try some. The tape that failed was bought from a chandlers in Sweden and was, as I said, useless. I have seen thicker tape on a lot of boats acting as a decorative element and obviously applied by the manufacturer. This sometimes shrinks a bit after a decade or so. This might be the vinyl tape that was also mentioned.

It is important to lay the tape on clean fiberglass and anti foul up to it and not lay the tape on the top of the anti foul as a means to a neat edge. As the anti foul gets wet it softens and degrades causing the tape to lift and the water pressure will do the rest Not saying I have experience of this .... But .