Question for a New TFL Zonda Blue & white graphics scheme ARTR Boat

[h20guy]

Hi, I recently ordered a new TFL Zonda Blue & White graphics scheme ARTR boat. I was made aware by OSE that there has been SOME issues with past hulls that when taping the cowl/hatch that some of the boats clear coat/paint came off where the tape was applied. Not sure if this is still a possible issue with a new 2025 hull? I would like advice/suggestions on the best way to prevent this from happening or a different way to fasten the cowl to hull that works well? What have others done to prevent this issue from happening yet still fasten and seal the cowl down to the boat while running? If there's a special clear tape that you use on this hull please let me know the brand and description of it. If you have found a auto paint protection clear tape product that would work well as the first layer to go onto the clear coat surface please let me know the details on the product and where to get it. Thanks in advance for your replies.

[fweasel]

I can't speak to that specific hull and paint issue, but I do three things when I use tape on my hatches.
1) I don't leave a hatch taped down in the sun for any longer than it has to. Tape gets gooey and leaves a mess.
2) When I pull tape off a hatch, I do my best to pull at 180* angle to the hull, not 90*. When you pull straight up at 90*, there is a much higher chance of pulling clear coat or paint.
3) I don't rely on hatch tape to hold down my hatch, I use it only as a waterproofing add-on when necessary. I build my hulls with hatch locks or countersunk screws to mechanically hold the hatch down to the hull in multiple locations. You can check out the photos in my Genesis build thread for how I retro-fit countersunk screws into that hull.