Putting Mc Numbers On A Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to put MC numbers on your boat, you'll need to make sure you're following the correct procedure. The specific requirements for boat registration numbers vary from state to state, so it's important to check the relevant guidelines. In general, boat registration numbers need to be placed on both sides of the forward half of the vessel, with the numbers reading from left to right. The numbers should be in a block-style font and be at least 3 inches high. They also need to be in a colour that contrasts with the background so that they are clearly visible and legible. In some states, such as Michigan, there are specific rules about the style of the letters, with all letters and numbers required to be plain block characters. When installing the numbers, it's important to clean the area of the boat hull and ensure that the surface is free of any oil, grease, or wax.

Placement of MC registration numbers

The placement of MC registration numbers on a boat is important to ensure compliance with watercraft registration laws. Here are the key considerations and instructions for proper placement:

Watercraft Registration Number:

• The assigned registration number must be painted or permanently attached to each side of the forward half of the vessel.
• Place the numbers as high above the waterline as possible.
• Ensure that the numbers contrast with the colour of the background for visibility and legibility.
• All letters and numbers must be plain block characters with a minimum height of 3 inches.
• Reading from left to right, separate the letters and numbers with a hyphen or a space equivalent to the width of the letter "M".
• For vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard, displaying the registration number is not mandatory, but one registration decal must be attached to each side of the forward half of the vessel, above the waterline.

Three-Year Watercraft Registration Decals:

• Place the decals on the forward half of the vessel, at the same level as the registration number.
• Position each decal 3 inches to the right of the last letter in the registration number, reading left to right, on both sides of the vessel.

Preparing the Boat Hull:

• Clean the area of the boat hull where the numbers will be applied to remove any oil, grease, wax, or other surface contaminants.
• Acetone is recommended for this step, but glass cleaner can also be used.
• For optimal adhesion, ensure that both the vinyl and the hull are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures can affect the adhesive properties of the vinyl and transfer tape.

Applying the Numbers:

• Use a horizontal rule to mark a straight baseline for the numbers.
• Make small tick marks at the endpoints and every 12 inches to guide your placement.
• Peel back about 1/2 inch of the transfer tape, being careful not to peel the vinyl itself.
• Fold the substrate back on itself vertically, and position the bottom of the letters against your baseline.
• Once you are satisfied with the positioning, press the "tab" of transfer tape onto the boat.
• Slowly peel off the transfer tape using a 180-degree motion. The vinyl should now be adhered to the transfer tape.
• Work your way along the graphics, slowly peeling the substrate and lightly pressing the transfer tape/vinyl onto the hull as you go.
• Use a plastic spatula or old credit card to burnish the vinyl onto the hull, applying firm pressure without ripping the tape.
• Slowly peel off the transfer tape. If the vinyl is properly adhered and the surface was clean, the vinyl will stick to the hull.

Alternative "Wet" Method:

• Clean the boat hull thoroughly as mentioned above.
• Mix a small amount of dish soap with water in a spray bottle and shake well.
• Peel off the paper backing from the vinyl to expose the sticky side and transfer paper.
• Lightly spray the transfer paper and vinyl with the soapy solution.
• Apply the graphics to the hull. You will have about a minute to adjust their position, as the soapy water allows the graphics to slide on the hull.
• Burnish the graphics with a flat, plastic object, such as a ruler or old credit card.
• Carefully peel off the transfer tape.

Installing the stickers

Before installing your MC number stickers, ensure that you have cleaned the area of the boat hull where the numbers will be applied. Use acetone or glass cleaner to remove any oil, grease, wax, or other surface contaminants. For best results, ensure that both the vinyl and the hull are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. At colder temperatures, the vinyl can become brittle, and the adhesive characteristics of both the vinyl and the transfer tape can change.

Next, use a horizontal rule to mark a baseline for where you will apply the vinyl. Make small tick marks at the endpoints and every 12 inches. You can use a fine-point felt-tip marker or a Sharpie (the ink can be removed with acetone from non-porous surfaces).

Now, you're ready to start applying the vinyl letters and numbers. First, peel back about 1/2 inch of the transfer tape, but do not peel the vinyl itself. Fold the substrate back on itself vertically. Position the bottom of the letters against your baseline. When you are satisfied with the positioning, press the "tab" of the transfer tape onto the boat.

Slowly peel the transfer tape from the substrate using a 180-degree motion. The vinyl should now be stuck to the transfer tape. Work your way along the graphics, slowly peeling the substrate and then lightly pressing the transfer tape/vinyl onto the hull as you expose more of the substrate. Be careful not to pull too hard, or the vinyl may stretch and distort.

With the vinyl and transfer tape in position, use a plastic spatula or an old credit card to burnish the vinyl onto the hull. Apply fairly aggressive pressure, but not so much that you rip through the tape.

Finally, slowly peel up the transfer tape. If you have started from a clean surface and burnished well, the vinyl will adhere, and the transfer tape will come off cleanly.

If you are using a stencil product, there is one more step. Once your stencil is down on your boat, protect the rest of the boat from overspray with newspaper or cardboard. You will be spray painting your stencil "holes" to match the typeface and your custom numbers.

Alternatively, you can use the "wet" method (do NOT use this for stencils). First, clean the area of the boat hull and ensure it is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a horizontal rule to mark a baseline for the vinyl application. Make small tick marks at the endpoints and every 12 inches.

Next, make a spray bottle with a little bit of dish soap and water and shake it to mix. Peel the paper backing off the vinyl, exposing the sticky side and transfer paper. Spray the transfer paper and vinyl lightly with the soapy solution. Apply the vinyl to the hull. You will have about a minute to adjust it before it sets.

Burnish the vinyl with something flat and plastic, such as a ruler, an old credit card, or a spatula. Finally, carefully peel off the transfer tape.

Choosing the right font

When it comes to choosing the right font for your boat's MC numbers, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to ensure that the font you choose complies with local regulations. For example, in Michigan, the State requires that "all letters and numbers must be plain block characters at least 3 inches high". Therefore, if your boat is registered in Michigan, you would need to choose a block font that meets this size requirement.

However, if your boat is registered in a different state or country, you may have more flexibility in terms of the font you can choose. In this case, it's important to consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve and choose a font that reflects your personal style.

There are thousands of font families to choose from, but some of the most common types include:

• Serif: These typefaces are named for the features at the end of their strokes.
• Sans-Serif: These typefaces have no added features at the end of their strokes.
• Block/Slab: These typefaces are similar to serif fonts but have block-like features at the end of the strokes.
• Script/Handwritten: These typefaces resemble handwritten letters and symbols.

When choosing a font, it's also important to consider the colour of the numbers. The numbers should contrast with the colour of your boat's hull to ensure visibility and legibility. For example, if your hull is white, black or blue numbers would provide the required contrast. If your hull is coloured or dark, you can opt for lighter colours or even specialty metallic or carbon-fibre look colours.

Additionally, consider the size and spacing of the letters and numbers. In Michigan, for example, the letters must be at least 3 inches high, and a hyphen or space equivalent to the width of the letter "M" must be placed between the letters and numbers.

Remember, the most important factors when choosing a font for your boat's MC numbers are compliance with local regulations, visibility, and ensuring that the font reflects your personal style and the overall aesthetic of your boat.

Selecting the right colour

Firstly, it is important to choose a colour that contrasts with the colour of your boat's hull. This is a requirement in many places, including Michigan, where the state's MC number requirements specify that the numbers must stand out against the hull colour. If your boat has a white hull, consider using black or blue numbers, as these colours provide excellent contrast and visibility. On the other hand, if your hull is coloured or dark, opt for lighter shades or even specialty metallic or carbon-fibre look colours. This will help ensure that your registration numbers are clearly visible, which is essential for identification and safety purposes.

In addition to colour contrast, it is also worth noting that some locations, such as Western Australia, have specific requirements for the colour of registration numbers. For example, if your vessel's hull is not white, each digit of the registration number should have a minimum white surround of 7 millimetres. This is done to ensure that the numbers are legible and easily distinguishable from the hull. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the specific regulations in your area before making a final decision on the colour of your MC numbers.

When selecting a colour, it is also important to consider the material and surface of your boat's hull. For instance, if you own a kayak or a boat with a plastic hull, it is worth noting that vinyl numbers may not adhere well to this surface. In such cases, you may need to opt for a stencil product, which can be painted on and will provide a more durable solution. By taking your boat's hull material into account, you can ensure that your chosen colour will not only be visually appealing but also practical and long-lasting.

Another factor to consider is the lighting conditions in which your boat will be operated. Keep in mind that certain colours may be more visible during daylight hours, while others may be more effective at night. For instance, fluorescent colours can be highly visible during the day but may not be the best choice for low-light conditions. On the other hand, colours like white or light grey can reflect light and improve visibility at night. Therefore, it is essential to think about the lighting conditions in which your boat will be primarily used to ensure that your MC numbers remain clearly visible at all times.

Lastly, while it is essential to prioritise visibility and compliance with regulations, you may also want to consider the aesthetic appeal of your chosen colour. Selecting a colour that complements the design and style of your boat can enhance its overall appearance. You can choose from a variety of colours, including standard shades like black, white, and blue, or more specialty options like metallic and carbon fibre. By choosing a colour that not only complies with regulations but also suits your personal taste, you can ensure that your boat's MC numbers look stylish and distinctive.

General information about numbers

The general requirements for boat registration numbers are as follows:

• A minimum of 3" letter height.
• A block-style font such as Impact or Arial Black.
• Generally located on the forward hull portion of the boat, next to the DNR tag.
• A contrasting colour to the base colour of your boat.
• Letters separated by a space or a dash (-).

The State of Michigan has specific rules about the style of the letters. According to the state, "All letters and numbers must be plain block characters at least 3 inches high."

The Michigan Watercraft-compliant MC Numbers can be ordered online. The numbers comply with all regulations, including size, font, and letter spacing. It is important to pick a colour that contrasts with your boat's hull colour. For example, if your hull is white, black or blue numbers will offer the required contrast. If your hull is coloured or dark, you can choose lighter colours or even specialty metallic and carbon-fibre look colours.

The Michigan MC Number stickers come in 10 colours and 8 fonts. Each set (one for the port side, one for the starboard side) is $15.95 plus shipping ($0.95) and Michigan sales tax.

Frequently asked questions