stripe tape above water line

[clayton curtis]

I've acquired a handful of nicks in the gray stripe of tape above the water line from docking and mooring dings over the years. has anyone replaced sections or the whole stripe?  someone mentioned that the tape is available at WestMarine.  I found this:

http://www.westmarine.com/west-marine--premium-striping-tape-2--P00...

here's the questions i have:

1. is this the right tape? if so, which color? metallic charcoal? metallic silver? gray? is it 2 inches in width?  (I'm away from the boat)

2. can you replace a section, or is it better to replace the whole stripe?  i'm worried the color might not match due to UV fading.

3. i assume i might need a heat gun to get it off. any tips?

4. any tips on how to put it on?

thanks a ton!  looking forward to a new season.

/cc

[Jeff Shukis]

I just ordered a roll of stripe material from the Beneteau parts system. A 150 foot (46 meter) roll of the narrow stripe was USD $50.23. They also have the wide stripe material in the system, which I think is what you are looking for, but are out of stock as of the last time that I checked.

The West Marine tape could be exactly the same stuff, or it might not be. I decided not to take a chance.

[clayton curtis]

thanks jeff. i'll call Beneteau and see if it is the same.  keep in touch about how to remove/apply the new one.

/cc

[Dave Shore]

I have replaced the whole stripe on one side and a partial piece on the other. I bought it from Beneteau as well. Matched perfectly. I used a heat gun to remove the old stripe, a little tedious, but not too bad. When applying the new stripe, I  sprayed the boat with a soapy liquid so the tape would move a little so I could get it exactly where I wanted. I was also able to follow the old tape line. Worked out very well. As for the patch job, you have to look very hard to see it, it fit right in and the color was perfect. Hope this helps.

[clayton curtis]

thanks.  yes, that was helpful. i'll let you know how it goes.