Cove stripes

[portfierce]

We're in the process of fixing up our beloved 1984 Anniversary Edition Com-Pac 16, hull 2098.  The cove stripes are so worn, faded, and cracking that it is difficult to tell if the original color was gold or bronze.  Anyone know?  Thanks!
   

[carry-on]

PF,
I bought a roll of Gold Chrome tape from Hutchins for $28 + shipping ( Styletech made by Tape Technologies.) Could be a little higher now. Sounds pricey, but is 150ft., so you could do the CP-16 maybe four times with allowance for errors. If you call Hutchins at 727-443-4408 and ask for parts, they will set you straight. They also have CP logos and arrowheads.Could be the '84 anniversary model was different. You may want to ask them.
Also, there is advice on this site about removing and installing decals. Not too simple to get the long narrow stripe on the line you want. I think Skip gave some good advice to use a soapy solution in a spray bottle so you have time to slide the tape around before the adhesive takes effect.
BTW, you have a good looking boat. 

[portfierce]

Thanks carry-on!  I did find the posts you suggested, and have used the soapy water technique previously when redoing an old Mohawk canoe's decals.  I'm more dreading the removal of the old striping.  Anyone want way in on the old method (heat gun + plastic scaper + MEK or acetone) versus rotary decal removers like these: http://goo.gl/izomW.

Also, anyone know if the light blue, dark blue, black triple stripes on the sides of the cabin top were original?

[Solid_Tude]

Also, anyone know if the light blue, dark blue, black triple stripes on the sides of the cabin top were original?

Hi portfierce,

I too, have a 1984 10th anniversary edition and mine has a cabin stripe matching the cove stripe.  Although it's hard to see in these photos, you can still see it here:



Maybe better here in this shot when I first bought it the fall of 2011 before work on it:

[MacGyver]

When I owned my graphics company I would install striping this way:

If the original is straight in its placement, Take a trusted brand of tape and tape directly beneath or above it, edge to edge.
This will preserve the "Line" for the new installation.

Then remove the old stripe.

After the adhesive is gone and ready for the new stripe, depending on the condition of the tape line, you may have to make a new tape line abutted against the one you had made, remove the one you originally made and reapply a new one. This way you have that edge again.

run the new stripe in lengths you are comfortable, holding the roll in one hand or tear off a piece long enough to do the whole job and be mindful of where it lays on the ground as you stripe the new stripe into place.

No need to use water, or soap solution as they are really a pain in the but to get out from behind the stripe.

I only say it is a pain in the but because I have access to the chemicals we use to put graphics on........

This is the best way to install striping that I have found. (15 years install experience and owned my own company for 10)

Sure, there is wasted tape with all that switching, but striping tapes are usually made to last 12 years. So to do a good job is worth it.

I do that same process on small boats (14 foot) all the way up to a 42 footer before.

Mac
(If you need more elaboration, let me know, I hope I described it the best I could.... but could take pictures or video to help more)

[wes]

I used a 1/2" gold stripe above my (painted) boot stripe, but wanted a 1/4" stripe as a sheer stripe higher up on the hull. The 1/2" looked too fat for the sheer stripe, to my eye. Hutchins stocks only the 1/2" size, but they turned me on to Tape Technologies who stock a vast array of sizes and colors.

You can contact them at 800-433-0541 or www.tapetechnologies.com.

I made my own half arrowheads for the sheer stripe with a razor blade and some scrap 1/2" tape.

[portfierce]

Bella is beautiful Wes.  Unfortunately, the background hull color is different beneath the cove stripes (unfaded) and noticable.  So if I want to hide that color difference in the hull, I'll have to use at least 1 inch.  I may use a stack tape design to make it more attractive.  Thanks for the link.

[Solid_Tude]

Thank you for the pictures ST.  It's been many years since our hull has gleemed like yours!  Even an orbital buffer with 3 step rubbing compound + polish + wax doesn't seem to restore the original brilliance of the blue hull. 

Based on your pictures and a few others I've found, I think someone added an extra 1 inch copper/ bronze cove stripe below the original gold stripe before we purchased her.  So I guess I'll remove both since they are peeling and cracked, and then replace with a single 1 inch gold stripe.  Anyone care to chime in on techniques?

You are very welcome, portfierce. 

Fortunately, I cannot take the credit for the expertise and product used, as I have a next door neighbor named Casey that has been painting and buffing out and restoring gel-coat for years on various boats at the marina I had work done on my CP16 and is a real artist with the buffer.  In fact, he's so good that Cirrus Aircraft heard about his skill and hired him to repaint and wax their new jet aircraft for the fly in show in Oshkosh, WI.  He also finishes off their prop aircraft as well, at their factory here in Duluth, MN.

This is Cirrus' new jet:


(A Cirrus Vision Jet, with its distinctive V-shaped tail, flies over Duluth during one of its many test flights. (Photo courtesy of Cirrus Aircraft))

Casey requested I buy 3M brand Marine Restorer and Wax to use on my boat.  I can see my face in the gel-coat now and all I use to touch it up is 3M brand Marine Clean and Shine Wax in the spray bottle.  What would have taken me hours of careful buffing took Casey only a half an hour. 

[portfierce]

Brief update...I sent an email to Com-Pac and Gerry Hutchins responded quickly.  It looks like the original stripe was a single non-metallic gold, about 1 inch.  On our boat the reflective silver 1/2 inch was added later above the original gold stripe.  So, going with a 1 inch non-metallic gold is my plan.  Unfortunately, Com-Pac no longer sells the text "Com-Pac Yachts" logo, only the metallic gold triple arrow "C."  Has anyone else figure out the original logo font?  I figure I could order vinyl letter decals in matching non=metallic gold if I knew the font.  Thank you again to all who have replied!

[MacGyver]

PortFierce,

Just wanting to check to see if you saw my install notes above?

Also, can you take a picture of the decal that was left on your boat if there was lettering still somewhat on it? I am working for a guy who does graphics again (the friend who bought me out when I got nailed by lightning to help me out) and I am also working on replacement graphics on mine.
Your decal and font may be the same as mine and I could let you know what it is or maybe even sell you a set once I get them done.

If I can I might beat you to the punch and post a pic of mine for you to compare.

Mac