Numbers for Coast Guard Documented Vessels

Status
Not open for further replies.
Gary Wyngarden

Gary Wyngarden

.
Mar 4, 2004
347
Hunter 37.5 Orcas Island, WA
I need to get Coast Guard Documentation numbers on my boat ASAP. I've been having trouble finding any numbers that aren't vinyl that meet the Coast Guard's requirement for something that is basically indestructible. A guy at West Marine told me that most people are now using vinyl and covering the numbers with a clear epoxy so that anyone attempting to alter them would at least make a visible mess. Anyone have any suggestions here? Thanks for your help. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust H37.5
 
Fred Ficarra

Fred Ficarra

.
Dec 2, 2003
4,245
- - Seabeck WA
That's all you have to do IE;

just be able to truthfully attest in writing that the numbers are on the 'mainbeam' in such a way that removal would be obvious. Hey Gary, where are you going in such a hurry?:)
 
D

Dragonfly

I painted numbers in the lazarette...

using black oil based paint according to Coast Guard requirements... I think 3 inches high. Then applied a coat of varnish over the top.
 
S

Stan Breaux

Couple of questions

What, exactly, is the rule?? Is this different from the state registration numbers? Is this just for coastal/ ocean waters?
 
Gary Wyngarden

Gary Wyngarden

.
Mar 4, 2004
347
Hunter 37.5 Orcas Island, WA
Coast Guard Documentation

My incomplete understanding is that US boats are either titled through your state of residence or through the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard process is a bit more involved, but I was advised by the people who titled my boat that it would be a good idea if I ever planned to sail my boat other than in the US and Canada. My sense of urgency Fred is that I have the documentation number but haven't fully complied with the regulation yet of having a difficult to remove number placed somewhere on the basic structure of the boat and want to get in compliance. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust H37.5
 
Fred Ficarra

Fred Ficarra

.
Dec 2, 2003
4,245
- - Seabeck WA
Stan, Go here;

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/vdoc/nvdc.htm The documentation system is Federal. It's managed by the Coast Guard. It has nothing to do with state registration requirements and doesn't preclude them. But it does preclude state titles. Mortgagors like them because their interests are protected, in theory, worldwide. When a vessel is documented, well, that's its' passport for international travel. When we were cruising outside of the US, we never saw a US vessel that wasn't documented. And no customs official ever asked to see any paperwork except the vessels' document. You don't need documentation for pleasure boating in US waters on a US vessel unless your bank requires it. It just says that they don't trust you. The huge advantage for boat owners is that it lets you put the name of your boat on the bow. NO numbers allowed! How cool is that!!!?
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

.
Feb 26, 2004
23,319
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Ummmm, archives?

Gary Asked and answered, find it on the link. Good luck, Stu
 
Rick D

Rick D

.
Jun 14, 2008
7,203
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
Mine Also Epoxy Coated Vinyl

My boat documentation number is inside a hanging locker and is vinyl letters coated with epoxy (I think) RD
 
T

Tony1468

.
Apr 12, 2004
16
Hunter 336 Shawnee, KS
That's what we did.

We used black vinyl letters and epoxied over them with West System clear epoxy. We have been inspected by the Coast Guard and they saw no problem with it. We have a 336 and we put them on the hull under a bilge inspection hatch.
 
Fred Ficarra

Fred Ficarra

.
Dec 2, 2003
4,245
- - Seabeck WA
I did it a little differently

Many years ago I was aboard an old cruiser. The owner carved the numbers into the teak mast compression post. It looked great. So I did it too. I bought the vinyl numbers but used them as a stencil. Then just chipped out some wood with a carving knife. It sort of has the 'dug-out canoe' effect.
 
T

Tim C350 April IV

.
Dec 2, 2003
392
Catalina 350 Seattle
Consider a second location too

Gary - while you are going to the trouble to permantly expoxy the appropriate sized lettering to your hull in a readily visible area - as required by the CG, consider installing the lettering by the same method to some other spot on the boat - maybe not so readily visible, but permanent, non-the-less. It's extremely cheap, and provides just a hair more identification capability in the event your boat is ever stolen. Food for Thought. Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
 
D

Daryl2400

.
Jun 3, 2004
275
- - USA
I used Vinyl numbers .........

with polyester resin over them because I had it on board. Did a few others for friends. Works good but stinks until it is cured
 
mike C16582

mike C16582

.
Jul 8, 2004
361
S2 9.1 chelsea ny
inside the boat

I have a nice piece of 1/2 in. about 2 ft. long and had the USCG number routed into the teak board. Varnish and hang in the locker with a couple of screws. Even a USCG. officer commented on how nice it looked...............
 
J

John Dawson

.
May 18, 2004
386
- - Baltimore
Sounds risky

Screwing a board to the inside of a locker sounds like it would be awful easy for someone to make it vanish without much mess, despite its great looks. Do you think it really met the requirements of more demanding inspectors?
 
T

Todd (SV Windwalker)

.
Jun 4, 2004
26
-Catalina -C30 Anacortes
Mine is wood too...

It's glued onto the hull in the quarter berth. Nice routed teak. Also, It's my understanding that the reason for Having the vessel documented is that ownership is then internationally recognized. Otherwise someone could, when in another country, steal on your boat, & claim it as theirs. Without recourse. P.S. I think Gary should have his own travel log forum when out cruising the globe(or does he?)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top Bottom