Another number Dilemma

[dennis in pasadena]

Here are the results using Acetone in place of MEK...works great! Hi All, Newly arrived on the forum and glad to be here among knowledgeable folks. I am putting together a very small fishing vehicle for freshwater lakes here in California. My last on the water experience was with a float tube (off Brand) that held up long enough for me to get hooked but sadly sank at Perris lake. Anyway I have been plodding through a lot of red tape here in California and I just about have it ready to go except for 1 thing...the Registration numbers. I would love to hang them off the bow but I have been warned that they must be placed permanently. I sent for the plate so I can put the sticker in the right spot also (no other spot would legally do) so now all I have to do is glue it on. I have the Weaver 2 part (3001) adhesive but ran into another bit of California red tape. I went to get the MEK and was informed that it had been pulled of the store shelves and was not allowed here. I have received so many opinions on how to glue it I am at an impasse. I have heard I should install it on inflated,deflated, inflated first then deflate and weight the plate down, can't be done without MEK, etc. The boat is brand new & hasn't been in water yet. Could I get some input on how you think the numbers should be installed for the best chance of longevity? I would prefer putting the plate further up front but the large seam that circles the pontoons would have to be glued (in the middle of plate) and I don't know if it would take. Thanks for any input as I am more then anxious to get it WET! Sea Eagle - PVC

Update..Went to Walmart today and found this little yellow can on their half price table. Could anyone let me know if this is indeed close enough to MEK to use? It seems to fit the bill and only $2! Thanks for the input you two!
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[jondavies]

Re: Another number Dilemma

Dennis,

Congratulations on the new boat.

I think you can use acetone as a substitute for MEK. I would glue them on with the boat inflated otherwise they might come unstuck when you inflate.

I know this isn't directly helpful to you but I used Krylon Fusion paint and stencils -- it worked well it but needs a touch up every year or so. Others report good results with a black Sharpie.

As you know, the CF numbers are supposed to go up toward the bow but with a small boat, you obviously have less space to work with. As long as they are prominent and easy to read, I doubt anyone will give you any hassle.

Which lakes do you plan to fish? I want to try doing some freshwater fishing this year. I'm near the Rose Bowl.

Jon

 

[Chris in Indiana]

Re: Another number Dilemma

Sweet little rig!! Wow, California sure is interesting in how they manage that stuff. I'm in Indiana but have taken my inflatables all over (Not west coast though) and I've never seen anything like the number placard you have. Is it mandatory? Do you have to use those exact pieces? Anyway I've had several boats, both PVC and Hypalon (5 or 6 - I stopped counting) and the registration numbers are always a pain. One thing i have learned, always consider resale value. Right now your thinking you will have that boat forever but next year things may be different and a guy from another state might turn away if he has to deal with covering or removing permanent numbers. Generally on a fiberglass boat permanent really doesn't mean forever but on an inflatable it does. My first boat, a Sea Eagle, was simple. I bought a stencil kit at K-Mart along with a sharpie marker and an hour later numbers were on the boat and it was off to the lake. I used a clear plastic clip-on ID badge to hold the annual renewal decal. Ugly but worked great, however the boat has absolutely no resale value now and I don't use it. In Indiana registration numbers will change with a new owner so nobody wants it.
In your situation I recommend two options, both of which get the numbers OFF of the tubes which I highly recommend for a number of reasons. Regardless if you try to fold up those orange plastic stick-on number plates with the tubes it will never work regardless of what glue you use.

One idea is to create a rigid number plate just below the seat, and above the tube. You could cut out a piece of plywood (Or better yet SeaBoard, or that corrugated plastic used for yard signs) and affix the number decal to it. Then use some brackets to screw it down to the boards holding the seat. I think a stainless or brass door hinge would work great and let the plate sit and flop around on top of the tubes while the boat is moving around. That would be "Permanent." However consider how it will work when you deflate the boat and try to fit everything in your trunk.

Another idea, seemingly easier and less cumbersome, would be to create a number plate (Same as above) and use UV resistant marine rope to hang it off the sides. Ordinarily rope & knots may not be considered permanent, but you could use some aluminum crimps instead of knots. They sell these at Lowes/Home Depot in the hardware section. Externally they look like a figure 8 and you thread the rope through to create a loop, then smash it closed with a large flat screwdriver and a hammer. Very permanent but you will always be able to undo it by cutting the rope off with a utility knife.

When in doubt use diplomacy. Mock-up your idea and go right to the police station and ask them their opinion. Get an officers name so you can always say "So-and-so told me this would be okay." You have an investment there and I'm sure the law enforcement guys will be happy to help you out and tender an opinion.

Incidentally I think MEK would dissolve PVC material, if you want something to really, truly stick very well FOREVER such as a patch use 3M 5200 glue (Google it)

 

[dennis in pasadena]

Re: Another number Dilemma

Hi Chris, Thanks for your reply and input! I guess our states are so different its hard for us to relate. I wish mine was as relaxed as yours but its not. If the numbers could be removed by cutting the rope that would disqualify them as being permanent. I would get a ticket and not be allowed to use it until fixed. MEK seems to be the solvent of choice for pvc so since I can't get any firm advice (been trying for 2 months) I guess I'll give it a go on my own. Pass or Fail I will post the results later. Thanks

 

[dennis in pasadena]

Re: Another number Dilemma

Hi Jon & thanks for the kind reply. I live real close to Puddingstone so will try it there along with Santa Fe (if I want to row, no gas motors) & there is Lake Perris too. You live about 10 minutes from me. Keep in touch!