According to one embodiment of the invention, a system used in auto-boating includes a tape substrate supported by a boat. The tape substrate includes a pair of lateral edges parallel to one another and each having respective first and second ends, and a pair of longitudinal guide strips parallel to one another. One of the longitudinal guide strips extends between the respective first ends of the pair of lateral edges and the other longitudinal guide strip extends between the respective second ends of the pair of lateral edges. The tape substrate also includes a plurality of die attach regions disposed within the area defined by the pair of lateral edges and the pair of longitudinal guide strips. The system further includes a boat clip coupled to the boat such that the tape substrate is sandwiched between the boat and the boat clip. Each longitudinal guide strip includes a pair of tabs disposed at opposite ends thereof such that each tab extends beyond a respective one of the lateral edges.