One of the simplest things you can do to make your boat look good is to properly apply your boat registration numbers so they’re spaced correctly and perfectly straight. Below are the details on how to do that.
TAKE PRIDE
A nice boat with perfect registration numbers is a beautiful thing. A nice boat with sloppy registration numbers is not. Often overlooked, the way registration numbers are applied can make a big difference to your boats aesthetics.
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THE LAW
According to Florida law, all vessels, with the exception of non-motor-powered vessels less than 16 feet in length, non-motor-powered sailboats, canoes, kayaks, racing shells or rowing sculls, regardless of length, must be registered through your local Tax Collector’s Office.
The registration number is made up of two letters, followed by four numbers and then two more letters. Each must be at least 3″ high in a color contrasting to the hull and letters must be separated from the numbers by a hyphen or space equal to a letter width. The vessel registration decal must be renewed annually and is to be displayed within 6 inches of, either before or after, the registration numbers on the port (left) side. The registration number must be displayed on the forward half of the vessel on both sides above the waterline.
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DECALS
One way to create clean, perfectly spaced numbers is by using a custom decal. Decals are available at most sign shops and place the entire registration number on one decal. The benefits of a decal are it’s looks perfectly spaced and aligned, you can be creative with the font and it’s easier to apply than individual letters and numbers. I received mine from a business called SIGNARAMA in Sarasota and they cost $30 for a set. They were perfect!
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APPLICATION
Application of the decal is simple. The first thing is to clean the surface and then wet it with a solution of water (95%) and soap (5%). The second step is to place a strand of painters tape just below the rubrail so the decal is properly spaced. The fourth step is to peel off the non-stick decal backing and then apply the decal. The fifth and final step is to smooth out the decal with a paint scraper and firmly affix the sticky letters to the hull. Once done, slowly peel back the wax paper making sure that you don’t peel the letters with it. Upon completion, you should have a perfectly placed registration number.
