> I would be concerned about putting the tape on under the fiberglass --
> will the epoxy stick to it well enough? I'd try a test sample first.

Agreed with Dean and Shawn --- try it, and do the test at some distance. My guess --- which was the opinion of a couple of 3M engineers who I asked the same question a couple of years back --- is also that the epoxy covering will significantly diminish the reflective value of the tape. And please let us know how it comes out.

I have had a strip of 3M retroreflective tape on the chines of my Pintail for about seven years --- same tape. It's about three eighths of an inch wide and is fairly stiff --- would have done it with less than a quarter of an inch if I were doing it again. (That said, 3M has a newer, almost as bright tape which would be flexible enough to go up the chine of my Greenland-inspired VCP boat with its upswept bow and stern.) In any event, the stuff "blooms" when it's hit with the beam of even a small flashlight, and looks like it's two or three inches wide --- very noticable. And very worthwhile as a passive safety device for night paddling in busy waters.

But the points about retroreflective tape's passive nature are well taken. The reflective nature of the tape relies on its being illuminated by a source in proximity of the viewer --- like by a headlamp on another kayaker or a searchlight on another boat. It will also show up well to an observer on shore standing in front of a streetlight. It works and is of significant value to any kayaker planning on night paddling in busy waters.

Personal observation: it's also of great value on hats and PFDs. Marine supply stores sell it in SOLAS four inch squares with self adhesive backing for applications on PFDs and other emergency equipment. Well worth having. As a former SAR pilot, I can personally attest to the value of retroreflective tape --- and so can a couple of people I know who I pulled out because they were wearing it, and who would not be in a position to discuss it if they had not had it on their gear.

Jack Martin