Guide To Placing Cf Numbers On Your Boat

Boat CF numbers are an important part of boating safety equipment for registered vessels. They are a unique identification number for boats and help authorities track down missing or stolen vessels. In California, a permanent registration number (CF number) is assigned upon registration of undocumented vessels. The number consists of the letters CF, followed by four numbers and a two-letter suffix, for example, CF 1234 AB. The letters I, O, and Q are not used for any CF numbers. The numbers must be displayed on both sides of the forward half of the vessel and be in plain vertical block characters of not less than three inches in height.

CF Number Format: The registration number consists of the letters CF, four numbers, and a two-letter suffix

A permanent registration number, also known as a CF number, is assigned to undocumented vessels in California. The CF number is made up of the letters CF, followed by four numbers and a two-letter suffix. For example, a CF number could be CF 1234 AB.

The CF number is an important part of boating safety equipment and helps authorities to identify, track down, and rescue missing or stolen vessels. The number must be displayed on both sides of the forward half (bow) of the vessel, placed well above the waterline. It must be clearly visible and legible, in block capitals, at least 3 inches in height, and in a colour that contrasts with the hull.

When displaying the CF number, the letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen. For example, CF 5573 JS or CF-5573-JS. No other numbers may be displayed near the registration number. Registration stickers must be affixed on both sides of the bow, three inches behind and in line with the number.

CF Number Display: The number must be painted or affixed to both sides of the forward half of the vessel, reading from left to right

To display the CF number on your boat, you must follow these instructions:

The number must be painted or affixed to both sides of the forward half of the vessel. This means that the number should be displayed on the front half of each side of the boat. The number should be easy to read and should be displayed in plain vertical block characters. The characters should be a minimum of three inches in height. The number should be arranged so that it reads from left to right. For example, CF 5573 JS or CF-5573-JS.

The colour of the number should contrast with the colour of the background so that it is visible and legible. There should be spaces or hyphens between the letters and numbers. For instance, there should be a space or hyphen between the prefix and the number, and between the number and the suffix. The letters I, O, and Q will not be issued for any CF numbers.

In addition to the displayed number, registration stickers must be affixed on both sides of the bow, three inches behind and in line with the number. If boating on freshwater, Quagga/Zebra Mussel fee stickers must also be affixed on both sides of the bow, behind and in line with the registration sticker.

Block Letters: The number must be in plain vertical block characters with a minimum height of three inches

To put CF numbers on a boat, you can purchase a pre-made kit or create your own. Here are some instructions for creating plain vertical block characters with a minimum height of three inches:

Method 1: Using Microsoft Word

• Open a new Word document and select the "Insert" menu.
• Choose "Word Art" and select the basic outlined letter style, which is perfect for block letters that can be cut out by hand.
• Enter your text and select a font style and size. For block letters, Arial Black is a good choice.
• Resize the text by selecting it and dragging one of the corner circles to adjust the text box.
• Change the print orientation to landscape style if your word is long or you want larger block letters.
• Reverse the letters so that the word is backward before printing. This will allow you to print the title on the back of the paper, avoiding any visible printing lines.
• Test print on plain paper before printing on specialty papers.
• Load your printer tray with cardstock or patterned paper and print your design.

Method 2: Drawing and Tracing

• Sketch your letters or phrase in pencil, leaving a little extra space around each letter.
• "Insulate" the letter by creating a block shape around it, giving it a blunt edge for true block letters or a rounded edge for bubble letters.
• Trace over your pencil sketch with ink, paint, or your desired medium.
• Alternatively, find a bold, thick typestyle that you like and type out your phrase.
• Print it out in your desired size and use tracing paper to trace over the outlines of the letters.
• Transfer the letters to your final piece using transfer paper.

Colour Contrast: Ensure the number's colour contrasts with its background for visibility and legibility

When putting CF numbers on a boat, it is important to ensure that the numbers are easily visible and legible, especially in the case of an emergency. Colour contrast plays a significant role in achieving this. Here are some guidelines to ensure the colour contrast of your CF numbers is optimal:

Firstly, understand the concept of "contrast ratio". The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) define colour contrast using a contrast ratio, a two-number figure ranging from 1:1 to 21:1. The first number refers to the relative luminance (brightness) of the lighter colour, while the second number reflects the relative luminance of the darker shade. Higher contrast ratios make it easier to distinguish the text from the background. For most text, aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1.

For large text, such as 18-point or 14-point bold fonts, a minimum contrast ratio of 3:1 is sufficient. This is because larger text is generally easier to read and may remain legible at a lower contrast ratio. However, for optimal visibility and legibility, it is recommended to maintain a higher contrast ratio whenever possible.

When choosing colours for your CF numbers, consider the background colour of your boat. The colours should be distinct enough to stand out. For example, avoid using a dark blue font if your boat is navy blue. Instead, opt for a lighter or brighter colour that will create a higher contrast ratio.

Additionally, take into account the lighting conditions in which the CF numbers will need to be visible. Your boat may be out at sea during the day, at night, or in varying weather conditions. Ensure that the colour contrast remains effective in low-light or challenging weather situations.

Finally, consider using reflective or fluorescent materials for your CF numbers. This can significantly increase visibility, especially at night or in low-light conditions. Fluorescent colours, such as yellow, green, or orange, can also enhance visibility during the day.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your boat's CF numbers have optimal colour contrast, making them easily visible and legible to authorities, other boaters, and rescuers.

Letter and Number Spacing: Separate letters from numbers with a space or hyphen

Letter and number spacing is an important consideration when marking up your boat with its CF numbers. In this context, it's essential to follow the national vessel registration system, which dictates that the registration number consists of the letters "CF", followed by four numbers, and ending with a two-letter suffix, for example, "CF 1234 AB".

When it comes to letter and number spacing, it's crucial to separate letters from numbers with either a space or a hyphen. This not only improves the visual clarity of the registration number but also ensures compliance with standard practices.

In typesetting, the space character used can vary. While a regular space is the most common, some style guides recommend the use of a thin space or a narrow no-break space before and after certain mathematical symbols and operational signs. These include: ±, =, <, >, ≤, ≥, +, −, ÷, ×, ·, ≈, ∼, ∩, ∫, Π, Σ, and |.

However, the specific style guide or standard you follow may vary depending on your location or the organisation that governs boat registration in your region.

In addition to letter and number spacing, it's important to ensure that the CF numbers are displayed correctly in terms of size, colour, and reflectivity. These aspects may be governed by specific regulations, so be sure to consult the relevant authorities or documentation.

Frequently asked questions