Boat lettering guides
The rules, the install, the removal, and what the vinyl grades actually mean. Written by people who cut this every day.
The rules
The federal rule for boat registration numbers - 3-inch block characters, contrasting colour, correct spacing, forward half of each side - in plain English.
Where they go
Boat registration numbers go on the forward half of both sides, reading left to right. Here is exactly how high, how far forward, and where the validation decal sits.
How to apply
Step-by-step: how to apply pre-spaced boat lettering and registration numbers using the wet method, with the mistakes that ruin a set.
How to remove
Heat, a plastic razor and adhesive remover will lift old boat lettering. What not to use on gelcoat, and how to deal with the shadow left behind.
Fonts
Which fonts read from fifty yards, which ones are legal for registration numbers, and why script fails on a registration number but wins on a transom.
Vinyl types
Cast vs calendared vinyl for boats, when high-tack is mandatory, and what a film warranty actually covers.
Documented vessels
USCG documented vessels carry the name and hailing port in 4-inch characters, and do not display state registration numbers. Here is the layout.
What it costs
Boat registration number decals run $10-25 a pair online. What drives the price, what the cheap sets leave out, and what we charge.