Boat Name Graphics

[Rightbrainer]

I'm going to replace the graphics on the topsides this summer and would like to get an idea of how big to order them. Boat name is WendyBird, so nine letters total. The last ones were too small and hard to read from any distance. What has worked for you guys? Any suggestions about sources? Thanks.

 

[jepomer]

The recommendation is 4 to 8 inches. I chose 6 inches for "Ophelia". The size fit well. Originally I placed the name on the midship bulge. Bad spot since the lettering will be rubbed off — especially if you don't use fenders for a short stop.

 

[shnool]

I've used http://diylettering.com/ they are cheaper than boats.us, and other vinyl places I've used.

I am a traditionalist, and rely on boat name on the stern, with hailing port directly below.
The Capri 25 6" high for highest letter:

The S2 7.9, max height, 6 inches:

I got my registration numbers from them as well:

Shipped via USPS, free, takes about 5-6 working days to get them.

 

[Curt]

Hey Right,

I added the name to the the topside two years ago. Although I am a traditionalist there is little room on the transom for Chingaletta. I centered the 11 letters between the stern and the cabin door and it fit well. Stay away from the midship line as previously stated if you are docked. My letters are 6" and are clearly readable from about 50' as I was told by the graphic company. I would have gone an inch or two bigger but the name is long enough that it would not have fit well in the space I allotted.

There are so many vinyl graphic companies around I would bet there is one or two close to home. The internet is also an option but I like to buy local when I can

 

[Bordiki]

 

[HERSH]

Just put my boat in the water yesterday.

But getting "old" and I have to get two cataracts taken care of this month. Not sure how long that will keep me off the boat

Hersh

 

[jerrymlewis]

I cut my own - printed each letter on 8x11 and then traced onto vinyl. Good to use a simple font and short name....

 

[Rightbrainer]

Thanks, fellas. That gives me plenty to go on. I, too, prefer the traditional look of boat names on the transom. Those old boys usually knew what they were doing and never had to worry about the name getting rubbed off. Plus, those boats you were leading in the race could admire your clever name at their leisure! However, between the motor, the ladder and the rudder, there's no way that works for me on a CP-22.

Shnool, you're welcome for giving you a good reason to post a picture of that pretty transom on your spade-rudder CP-25.

I tip my bicorne skipper's hat to the super traditionalists with 7-letter lucky boat names. (Ophelia, Rum Line and Hershey)