Displaying Boat License Number

[Zerbel04]

When I purchased my boat a couple months ago the previous owner hadn't yet affixed the License Number to the bow of the boat. I ordered some decals online in a color that matched my boat trim and have added the numbers to the bow as shown in the attached photo.

I kind of think the decals jump out at you and look somewhat tacky so my question is this.....

Should I leave the decals as is, remove them and put some new ones below the rub rail, or get white ones and apply them to the blue trim............Whaddya all think?

I think if I put them below the rub rail they may not be above water level which is required by law.

On a side note...........I looked around this summer at other boats and noticed many owners simply don't bother putting the numbers on at all. Guess it's not something they don't check at smaller Alberta lakes?

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Displaying Boat License Number

I think below the rubrail is good; it should be above the waterline enough. The registration numbers do look a bit high in your picture...

Jim

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Displaying Boat License Number

In California, they send you the instructions where they need to be. For us they have to be at the same level as the numbers and just aft of them(I believe 3" or so).

Edit: Thought you were referring to the registration sticker relative to the numbers.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Displaying Boat License Number

It may not be your choice. What is the Law in Canada for the number's?

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Displaying Boat License Number

Transport Canada just says the numbers need to be above the waterline on both sides of the bow in block characters at least 3" tall in a color that contrasts with the boat.

I'd still move 'em below the rubrail.

Jim

 

[lexer440]

Re: Displaying Boat License Number

Mine are below rubrail, in black to stand out on white b/ground

 

[Zerbel04]

Re: Displaying Boat License Number

Yep the Canadian requirement is exactly as Jim said it.

And at this point I tend to agree with below rubrail. I mean as long as they are on the bow somewhere I can't imagine having an issue with da fish cops.....although they seem to thrive on ticketing people for ridiculous things.....but that's a whole new thread lol.

Gonna go ahead and order another set. Thanks guys.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Displaying Boat License Number

I would do black or blue in the white below rub rail and maybe a lityle more toward the front...

 

[Expidia]

Re: Displaying Boat License Number

Yep, below rub rail. Why mess up the lines of your bow by advertising your registration numbers? Go onto Ebay and do a search for boats.
I think you will see most are below the rub rail.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Displaying Boat License Number

Personally, I think white on the blue stripe would look very good. AND since the numbers only need to be on the front half of the boat, you have some leeway. You can put them where the stripe is thick enough so the whole number will fit.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Displaying Boat License Number

If there's room on the below the rub rail wagon, I'm juppin' on.............

 

[roscoe]

Re: Displaying Boat License Number

Well, because good enough is good enough, and you can't see them from your seat, they are legal, they are already on, and they look fine, all of which means.... leave them where they are.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Displaying Boat License Number

I would go with a Blue to match the boat.
There is no sense with adding a third color to a White and Blue boat.
If you do not like showing numbers at all, a light Gray number on White gives a subtle contrast.

The rules state a "Contrasting" color, not the "Opposite" Color.
If the White Band below the rub rail is under water, you have big problems!

THESE folks are highly recommended by me!

 

[5150abf]

Re: Displaying Boat License Number

White numbers on the blue stripe would look really nice and before you order them look into a local sign shop, they are everywhere and can cut you any font/size/style you would want.

I have an aluminum fishing boat that I painted silver with dark green stripoes and got with my local sign shop and had them cut my numbers/boat name and Sea-Nymph name from a matching silver and put them on the green stripe, looks pretty sharp.

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Displaying Boat License Number

Below the rail would look better but be careful when removing them, if they have been on a while the gelcoat will be darker where the letters were and does not always buff out.

LK

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Displaying Boat License Number

Be sure to check the laws for the areas where you you boat. Of course, some areas are of the "good ol boy" layed back attitude of enforcement, but if a LEO wants to uphold the rules, one must be within the law to keep from a citation. I don't think it would matter where they are as long as they are visible, contrasting and on each side of the forward part of the hull. I would do Blue lettering on the white, below the rub rail, myself