In the past we used the webbing, and then outlets were taped. The Mercury rigging hose is provided with every engine, and we were previously disposing of the hose or shipping it to the dealers in the boats. They then eventually often disposed of the hose. The change was just because we were previously disposing a part. The other way is much simpler, less abrasive and faster with less labor. This is not better or worse in our opinion.Good Eye on that! BCB