Doumented boat number

[JC78]

When we recently bought our 28TE, we decided to have it documented instead of registered. The CG finally sent me the papers and I had a wooden board made up with the number on it...now where and how should I mount it???

[jleonard]

I epoxied mine to one of the stringers that is in easy view when the engine hatch is open.
A bulkhead would work as well. Just make sure it is easy to see for those times you get boarded and inspected (I've been boarded 2 times in the last 5 years)

[jcollins]

Hi JC,
Be sure you have "NO" preceeding the number. (if your concerned about CG regs) The one time I was boarded I got written up for not have that and my board was "alterable". No fine, just a warning.
Here are the regulations from the CG site.

The official number assigned to documented vessels, preceded by the abbreviation "NO." must be marked in block-type Arabic numerals at least three inches high on some clearly visible interior structural part of the hull. The number must be permanently affixed so that alteration, removal, or replacement would be obvious and cause some scarring or damage to the surrounding hull area.

The name and hailing port of a recreational vessel must be marked together on some clearly visible exterior part of the hull. The vessel name of a commercial vessel must also be marked on the port and starboard bow and the vessel name and the hailing port must also be marked on the stern. All markings may be made by any means and materials that result in durable markings and must be at least four inches in height, made in clearly legible letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals. The "hailing port" must include both a place and a State, Territory, or possession of in the United States. The state may be abbreviated.
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[RobS]

On my 28 I adhered the plaque on the inboard side of the starboard stringer with 4200. This is in the area under the center hatch in the helm. My boat gets its annual USCG vessel inspection and the coasties have always approved it..

[jcollins]

Damn Rob! That bilge is too clean. Makes mine look like an old scow.
I should also add to my prevous post. The State is required. I just had "Baltimore" assuming everyone on the Chesapeake would know that it's in Maryland. The Coasties didn't agree.

[RobS]

Thanks John, I try..

Here's another shot of the numbers, different perspective.

[jleonard]

I don't have No in front of my plate, but I passed 2 inspections.

I put Yes instead.

[jcollins]

I put Yes instead.

Good one! I may do that just to see what they say.

[joe.baar]

The abbreviation "ON" for "Official Number" used to be the correct prefix and might still be acceptable. You just never know about those Feds.

[JC78]

Rob-

My board looks exactly like yours...but no paint on the numbers to make them stand out. Do you think its necessary?

[RobS]

JC, I think its the contrary. The engraving or embossing is what's important in case there is a fire there is a good chance the numbers will still be legible. Not sure if the color contrast is required, as it is with registration numbers on the bow. Shooting from the hip here on my droid so I have not tried to research this online..

[hoseguy50]

The easiest way to affix the documentation numbers is to find a part of the hull under one of the in deck boxes, place simple stick on numbers directly onto the hull, then use a paint brush and brush over them with 2-part epoxy. They will never come off.

[RobS]

I considered the epoxy over sticker method but when I found the plaque online for $25 I changed my mind. Easier application, neater looking and not much more of a cost when you consider the vinyl numbers, epoxy and brush..

[DougSea]

The easiest way to affix the documentation numbers is to find a part of the hull under one of the in deck boxes, place simple stick on numbers directly onto the hull, then use a paint brush and brush over them with 2-part epoxy. They will never come off.

That's how I did mine. Although the cool stainless, laser etched plaque looks cool...

[jleonard]

I used a router and freehand grooved an oak board I had. Painted the board white, and filled in the lettering black.

The previous owner had stick on decals on the engine room insulation tiles!! And I'm thinking it was like that since the original owner, so just about anything goes.