Trouble with NAV lights

[robertrosen]

I purchased some LED nav light strips and I can't seem to get them to stay on with double sided tape. It's 3m brand so it good tape. What is everyone using for a glue to keep these on the bow?

[mrblue1122]

Are you mounting above ..below..or in the rub rail....

[robertrosen]

above the rub rail on one boat and on the rub rail on my jet boat, they stick at first but by morning they fall off.

[kry29]

Go get some 30lb 3m double sided tape and make sure you are cleaning the mounting location with rubbing alcohol before you stick them on. They should stay on with that tape.

[Bronzeback]

Used acatone to clean mine before install, bluewater leds have never come off.

[Riccochet]

I love 3M products, but I've found nothing that even compares to Scotch Extreme mounting tape for durability.

https://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Extrem.../dp/B005SRECEU

[RobMVA]

I put a dab of silicone on the ends to help keep them from coming up.

[dean c]

I love 3M products, but I've found nothing that even compares to Scotch Extreme mounting tape for durability.

https://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Extrem.../dp/B005SRECEU

Scotch...is a 3m brand..pretty sure they are the exact same tape rebranded.

[mrblue1122]

Weather temp may have a little to do with it also...Try warming both surfaces with a hair dryer first..but Probably residual wax..I use acetone or Carb clean / Brake clean on just the area to be mounted (be careful)

[Riccochet]

Scotch...is a 3m brand..pretty sure they are the exact same tape rebranded.

That could be. Hadn't thought of that. lol Either way, that tape has some monster holding power.
Op could do even better and install in the rub rail. I cut channels on both sides, installed the strips with that Scotch tape, then put a bead of crystal Lexel sealant. Turned out quite nice.

and when I say this stuff dries clear, it's crystal clear. Takes a solid week or so to fully cure though.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lexel-10-5-...-Caulk/4714985

[DrewFlu33]

I put a dab of silicone on the ends to help keep them from coming up.

This is really good advice. I've not installed these nav lights, but have used this method in other applications with great success. Once it starts coming up, it's over. This stops it from starting.

I always clean the surface with the highest percentage isopropyl alcohol I can find. I believe that's usually 94%. I'd be afraid of acetone for fear of messing up my gel. I have no idea if those fears are founded or not.