It must be the age of the strapping tape because I've been using it almost exclusively on my new kayak and have had no problems.

I ran out for a short time and had to go back to using my duct tape. I know I have been a duct tape advocate in the past, but after extensive use of strapping tape I'm not going back to duct tape (unless I run out and have to) for the following reasons:

1: I found it to leave little to no residue (I'm using new rolls) whereas the duct tape would leave residue on the wood after repeated tapings in the same spot.

2. I can pull as hard on it as I want and can't break it, duct tape breaks when I'm really putting the load on the strips. Gotta lose those gaps.

3. The strapping tape is clear so I can see under the tape to see if the gap is closed.