boat tape/stripe.... why?

WilliamCheramie · Post by **WilliamCheramie** » June 16th, 2008, 5:02 pm

Not a technical question, but why do boats need tape on the edges? I am not a big fan of the look, but if it serves a purpose, then that's another thing.

In looking at modern boats with full carbon fiber construction, having what really only seems top be electrical tape on the edges of the boat seem to provide no obvious protection. Is the continued use of tape along the edges of the boat just a throwback to earlier times when the decks were made of canvas or mylar?

Looking to repaint my single, and just wanted to know if ditching the stripes would cause any problems?

Wc
Baton Rouge, LA

Andy Nield · Post by **Andy Nield** » June 17th, 2008, 8:23 am

Our boats have a short length of tape on the leading edge of the hull at the bow end to protect if it hits logs, but there's none on the deck edges, I'd get rid of it!

coggs · Post by **coggs** » June 23rd, 2008, 9:37 pm

Sadly I think in many cases it's there to hide small stress cracks that develop between the hull and deck joint overtime. I make minor repairs on lots of our club boats and it's not uncommon to see small cracks develop at the seam.