Best tape for temporarily covering holes in deck?

[GBurton]

Is there such a thing?

[USCGRET1990]

All I can tell ya is, if you use any kind of duct tape, within a few days in the sun, it will leave behind a gooey mess that takes alot of elbow grease and Goo-B-Gone to remove!

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by GBurton

Is there such a thing?

Riddle: What is silver and slick on one side, dull gray and sticky on the other, and holds the universe together?

Seriously: My guess would be good ol' duct tape. Make sure you get the good stuff, tho. Not all duct tape is created equal. Get 3M brand, IMO. Home Depot has a 3M duct tape that's extra-tough for outdoor use. I keep a roll on our boat.

When our pushpit was slightly mangled by getting hit, one of the stanchions was pulled part-way out of the deck. Whilst awaiting repair, I covered the gaps between the stanchion base and the deck with four short pieces of that stuff. Stayed-put through rain, shine and a jib sheet being dragged across it for at least two weeks, at which time it was removed.

Jim

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by USCGRET1990

All I can tell ya is, if you use any kind of duct tape, within a few days in the sun, it will leave behind a gooey mess that takes alot of elbow grease and Goo-B-Gone to remove!

We didn't run into that problem, but, admittedly, it was the guys who did the pushpit rail repair that did most of the cleanup, if any was required. But, from one of the jib sheets being dragged across it, I did have one corner of my duct tape emergency "repair" that was separated from the rest, due to some being worn away. When I pulled that bit off, it left little behind.

As I told the OP: Not all duct tape is created equal. As with vinyl electrical tape: Buy nothing but 3M brand, IMO.

Jim

[chucklesR]

Gorilla Tape - stronger than duct tape, more water proof and easily removed - per the company and my experience just peel it up, then use fresh tape to peel up the gooey residue.

[TrueBlue]

I keep duct tape onboard, like most boat owners, but the tape used most often for temporary bonding or sealing tasks - is white shrinkwrap tape. This tape is thin, flexible, but very strong and bonds tightly. I like the fact that it can be stretched, if increased tension between mated parts is needed.

[USCGRET1990]

3M ( Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing until 2002) Started in a little building in Two Harbors, Mn. I lived in the Two Harbors lighthouse back in 1980-82.

[Sailormon6]

One more vote for duct tape - A friend had a stanchion completely ripped out of the deck, and duct tape held for 3-4 weeks, keeping it completely watertight.

[Faster]

On my first roll of Gorilla tape... seems like an improvement over regular Duct tape.

Also, for a more longer lasting material than duct tape, try "gaffer's" tape. Pricey but doesn't break down on the sun like duct tape.

[GBurton]

Brilliant!