Repairing tape lines on hull

[numlock]

The lines, dark red and dark blue, just under the toe rail on my '93 Hunter 30T got damaged last year in a storm--only a few inches, but it is noticeable. I can't seem to figure out how to repair the damage. I would like to get new tape, but it seems to be available only in 150' rolls and does not match the color very well. The lines are half inch pin stripe tape as far as I can make out.

I'd appreciate any advice.

Cheers,

Numlock

Wind Dancer
Sackets Harbor, NY

 

[BLIGHT]

Perhaps you should checkout the follow site to obtain new vinyl striping, yes it is 150' rools but the cost is resonable and finding clost replacement vinyl striping that is 16 years old will probably be impossible. I replaced my tow rail strip this year and the job is not that difficult, probably a 4 on a 1-10 scale.

http://www.lettersunlimited.com/striping.htm

Good Luck

Bob

 

[timvg]

Bob, did you have any problem getting the old striping off? I have a few places that have come off, so I'm thinking about replacing it.

 

[BLIGHT]

Tim

No I did not, I used a heat gun to loosen the old vinyl and plastic scraper. After the old stuff was off I cleaned the surface of any glue deposits and let it dry. I then measured and marked the top of where the new tape was going to be applied at several points to aid in aligning the new vinyl.
I would suggest the Pre Masked Premium material since it has a covering material that makes it easier to workout any air pocket that may develop, also the color selection is greater then the Standard Vinyl and toss in few more years of outdoor life and you have a winner that not break the bank.

Bob

 

[Nelsonhow]

Can you describe the procedure you followed to apply the stripe?

 

[Neil McDonald]

If you do not want to spend the time/money replacing tape, you would be amazed at what you can easily achieve with a little carefully selected and applied paint. Not beautiful but it easily fools the casual eye. I was looking at my boat the other day and noticed a strange slight discoloration in this area. I had forgotten that I had used this technique a year or so back.

 

[BLIGHT]

Nelsonhow

It is easy to apply the tape since it is premasked on the outside. As I mentioned I made referance marks at various places on the hull where the top of new tape would be positioned. The more the better, within reason, and within easy reach from the last referance mark. At that point you are ready to peel back the covering that is protecting the adheasive side of the tape and adhere it to the hull. Work your way from one mark to the next referance mark while keeping some tension on the tape to stop it from diping between the marks. You can sight back along the edge of the tape to insure that you have a straight line. Work out all the air bubbles as you go using a plastic scraper, when the strip is completed remove the top protective masking. If you find any small air bubble try to work out the air to the edge of the tape if not a pin can be used to burst the bublble. The following link will give you somemore suggestions on how to apply vinyl materials; http://www.lettersunlimited.com/index.htm.
Hope this helps.

Bob

 

[numlock]

If you do not want to spend the time/money replacing tape, you would be amazed at what you can easily achieve with a little carefully selected and applied paint. Not beautiful but it easily fools the casual eye. I was looking at my boat the other day and noticed a strange slight discoloration in this area. I had forgotten that I had used this technique a year or so back.

Thanks for the suggestion. I do not want to replace the entire run of the tape just to repair a couple of inches, so I will have to experiment with paint I guess.

numlock

 

[Jimboyyy]

If you stop by a sign shop you can probably talk them into selling you shorter lengths of vinyl tape to make some repairs.

 

[Neil McDonald]

Scratch Repair

.......I will have to experiment with paint....

If its just a few bad scratches, try the little car scratch repair tubes with brushes built into the cap.

 

[Moonbeams]

Hunter Marine sold me replacement tape. They did explain that they had a new supplier and that the color may be a bit off. But it is not too bad.

3M makes a neoprene wheel that fits ia drill motor. It is designed to remove tape stripes from automibiles. Ant auto paint store should be able to sell you one of these.

Good Lunck,
BILLJ
Moonbeams
Lake Carlyle, IL.

 

[numlock]

Repaired the tape

If you stop by a sign shop you can probably talk them into selling you shorter lengths of vinyl tape to make some repairs.

Actually I did go to a sign shop and they gave me gratis some vinyl that, believe it or not, matched the existing tape for color and reflectivity, etc. exactly. You cannot see the repair unless you are close and looking for it. It's not perfect but good enough. Short of replacing the entire run of the tape I do not see how I could do better.

Numlock

Sackets Harbor, NY