Hi David,

I managed to get a hold of a piece of that strapping tape [in 1/2" width] and do a couple of real quick tests. I think that the strapping tape has potential.

The hot-melt glue "holds" to the strapping with a VERY hi tack but does not stick to it.

If you glue two pieces of tape together they can be easily PEALED apart - leaving you with two pieces of tape and a ribbon of glue. On the other hand a 3" lap joint was stronger than I could pull a part in direct tension. Pealing is good for removal later, strong in tension means that the strapping could be wrapped tight to the form.

I stapled the strapping to a board and cleaned it with a bit of naphtha. A birch "tongue depressor" glued across the strapping requires a
good pull to get it free. More testing [with a scale] is required.

I think that the holding force will be adequate to for most stations. Going to a wider strapping tape may be another option. A couple of strips of masking tape should be able to hold the straping in place.

Don't know if the hot-glue/strapping joint would have enough strength in the bow and stern areas.

Something to experiment with while I am waiting for spring...

Hank