Deck Boat Number Placement: Where To Put Those Digits?

Knowing where to put the numbers on your deck boat is an important part of boat ownership. All boats in use need to display their registration number to ease identification by port or maritime authorities. The location of the registration number must be on both sides of the boat's bow and at the forward half. It should be at least 3 inches in size and placed at a revealing angle visible to other watercraft or ports. Each registration number must contrast with the boat's colour so that it can be easily read from left to right.

Bow placement

The bow is the forward-most point of a boat, and it is also where the registration number should be placed. The registration number must be displayed on both sides of the bow, and it should be placed where it can be observed clearly. The number should be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed and must be at least three inches high. The specific requirements for displaying the registration number may vary from state to state, but there are some general guidelines to follow.

The registration number should be in bold, block-style lettering, and the colour should contrast sharply with its background. This is to ensure that the number is easily readable. The letters must be separated from the numbers by hyphens or spaces, and no other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow. The registration number must also be displayed from left to right on both sides of the bow.

In addition to the registration number, a validation decal must also be affixed to the port (left) side of the vessel within six inches of the registration number. The decal may precede or follow the number. It is important to check the specific requirements of your state, as some states may have additional rules and regulations that must be followed.

To apply the registration number and validation decal, you can use one of two methods: stick-on vinyl decals or stencils and paint. Stick-on vinyl decals are commonly used as they are readily available in the minimum sizes and styles and are easy to apply. They also offer excellent longevity. Stencils and paint can also be effective, but few people want to apply paint to a fiberglass boat, especially if the state does not allow ownership transfer.

Font size and style

The font size and style of your boat's registration number are important factors to consider when registering your boat. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Firstly, the minimum font size for the registration number is typically 3 inches in height. This is a standard requirement across most states, so be sure to check the specific regulations in your state. The numbers should also be placed at a revealing angle and be visible to other watercraft or ports.

In terms of font style, it is common for states to require block letters for the registration number. These letters should be bold and easy to read. The colour of the letters should also contrast with the colour of the boat to ensure visibility. Some states specify that the letters must be separated from the numbers by hyphens or spaces. For example, "PA-3717-ZW" or "PA 3717 ZW".

When applying the registration number, it is important to clean the surface of the boat and ensure that it is dry. You can use paint or stick-on decals, depending on the material and surface of your boat. If using paint, consider using a stencil to ensure straight lines and accurate spacing. If using stick-on decals, it is recommended to use a "dry" application method and ensure proper alignment before applying.

It is worth noting that some states may have additional requirements for the font style and placement of the registration number, so be sure to check the specific regulations in your area. These requirements are in place to ensure that your boat is easily identifiable and compliant with maritime laws.

Colour contrast

When it comes to the colour contrast of your boat's registration number, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, the numbers must have a colour that contrasts sharply with the background or the boat's colour to ensure they stand out and are easily readable. This is particularly important for identification and safety purposes, as port or maritime authorities, as well as other boaters, need to be able to spot them easily.

The specific colour combination you choose will depend on the colour of your boat. For example, if you have a light grey boat, black or white numbers could provide sufficient contrast. On the other hand, if your boat is red, white numbers would be a good choice, as they would stand out against the vibrant background.

It's worth noting that some boaters have reported being instructed by DNR officers to change their numbers to a contrasting colour, even when they had previously been deemed acceptable by a US Coast Guard officer. To avoid any potential issues, it may be worth checking with local authorities or boating communities to see if there are any specific colour requirements or recommendations for your particular boat colour.

Additionally, remember that the numbers should be in block letters and be at least 3 inches in size, with some states mandating a proximate distance between the validation decal or boat registration sticker.

Cleaning and preparation

Before applying your registration numbers, it's important to clean the area where you'll be placing them. This will ensure that the numbers adhere properly and are clearly visible. Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning and preparing your deck boat for the application of registration numbers:

• Vacuum the deck: Use a vacuum to remove any loose, bulky dirt, dust, and debris from the deck surface. Pay extra attention to corners and hard-to-reach areas.
• Prepare a cleaning solution: In a large bucket, mix warm water with a non-skid deck cleaner according to the instructions on the product. You can also use marine-grade soap or a boat soap and wax concentrate designed for boat hulls and decks.
• Wet the deck: Use fresh water to wet the deck and loosen any dirt, grime, or stains.
• Scrub the deck: Dip a soft-bristled brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the deck gently but thoroughly. Work in sections to ensure that every part of the deck is cleaned. Avoid using harsh brushes or scrubbing pads that could damage the deck surface.
• Rinse the deck: Fill a new bucket with fresh, clean water. Rinse the deck thoroughly to remove any remaining dirt, cleaning solution, or soap residue. You can also use a sprayer or hose to rinse the deck.
• Dry the deck: Use a clean, absorbent towel or microfiber cloth to dry the deck completely. This step is crucial to prevent moisture-related issues like mould and mildew.
• Tape off the application area: Use masking tape to mark off the area where you will be applying the registration numbers. This will help you achieve a neat and precise application.
• Clean the application area: With the masking tape in place, give the area a final wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or residue. Ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Once the cleaning and preparation steps are complete, you can move on to applying the registration numbers using paint or stick-on decals, following the guidelines provided by your local boating regulations. Remember to allow sufficient drying time if using paint.

Application methods

There are two common methods for applying boat registration numbers: stick-on vinyl decals, and stencils with paint.

Stick-on vinyl decals

This is the most common method, as these decals are readily available in the minimum sizes and styles at most marine supply stores. They are easy to apply, offer excellent longevity, and won't come off the boat as long as they're applied to a clean, dry fibreglass surface.

Stencils and paint

Stencils are less common, as few people want to apply paint to a fibreglass boat, especially in states that don't transfer registration numbers between owners. However, they are useful in certain situations. For example, vinyl stick-on numbers may not adhere well to inflatables, and are subject to loss as the inflatable collar shrinks and expands. Stencils and paint may also be preferable for boats made of polyethylene, as these often have very slick surfaces that don't have good adhesion properties.

General tips

• Check your local rules and regulations before applying registration numbers to your boat.
• Ensure the numbers are clearly visible and easily read.
• Ensure there are no other numbers on the forward half of the boat.
• Ensure the numbers are at least 3 inches in size.
• Ensure the colour of the numbers contrasts with the background.
• Use block-style lettering.
• Use spaces or hyphens to separate specific characters.
• Ensure the numbers are located within a certain distance of the registration decal.
• Clean the surface with water, soap, and a sponge to remove dirt or marine formation. Leave it to dry for a few hours to ensure the surface is ready for the painting or transfer process.

Frequently asked questions