We failed our free safety check because we did not have our registration numbers somewhere inside on the hull. We are going to put them in the lazerette but have been told we need to put fiberglass over the top so no one can remove them. Help. How do I do that? I think I have all the stuff I need but am wondering how putting this mesh over the letters will allow them to be seen. Sorry...dumb here.
Registration numbers "hidden" on boat
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Do you mean the USCG Documentation Official Number? If so, these can be carved into a wooden bulkhead, or etched in fiberglass and then epoxied over (no need for glass matting). The important thing is that they are indelible (read not easily removed). If it is the state registration, then there is no need to do anything beyond the sticker on the hull near the bow. If they are referring to the hull number, then yes it should be set in the fiberglass, starboard transom, and that should have been done by the manufacturer, it is not legal for you to emblazon a hull number not already recorded, unless you are building or rebuilding the boat, and that requires more paperwork.
In which state do you live? I would be happy to look up requirements for you.
In which state do you live? I would be happy to look up requirements for you.
Assuming you're referring to the USCG documentation number, just use 3" or 4" black vinyl adhesive numbers inside the lazarette, then lay a single layer of 6" fiberglass cloth saturated with polyester resin over the numbers. The cloth will turn and remain clear once it is saturated with resin, and will remain clear after it hardens. I did this with my numbers and have passed inspection each time. Check the USCG website, though, to be sure the size and nomenclature are in compliance.
Couple of Easy Ways to Get it Done
Here is the wording from the manual for doing the Safety Check:
"Every documented vessel must have an official number marked by any permanent method which cannot be obliterated or obscured. The number will be preceded with the letters "No." and be in block-type Arabic numerals not less than three inches in height, on some clearly visible interior structual part of the hull."
The idea is that it should not be on a bulkhead or other strucure that could be removed.
On a permanent portion of the hull
Apply the peel and stick numbers then paint over with epoxy
Or
Draw the number on the hull use a Dremal tool to etch into the gelcoat then color in the numbers with paint or a permanent marker epoxy over the top
no need to apply cloth over the top
Here is the wording from the manual for doing the Safety Check:
"Every documented vessel must have an official number marked by any permanent method which cannot be obliterated or obscured. The number will be preceded with the letters "No." and be in block-type Arabic numerals not less than three inches in height, on some clearly visible interior structual part of the hull."
The idea is that it should not be on a bulkhead or other strucure that could be removed.
On a permanent portion of the hull
Apply the peel and stick numbers then paint over with epoxy
Or
Draw the number on the hull use a Dremal tool to etch into the gelcoat then color in the numbers with paint or a permanent marker epoxy over the top
no need to apply cloth over the top
It does work really well though. We did it exactly as described above - had the local sign shop produce 4" vinyl letters/numbers, which we applied to the hull inside a cockpit lazarette, and then saturated one layer of fabric and stuck it over the numbers, smoothing with a scraper. It dried perfectly clear, the number can be easily read but is well protected.
...and the entire system is plain ludicrous. Anyone who wishes can easily remove these number with a little effort. Todays cars have their VIN numbers tagged to major body panels and even they can be removed, not that anyone would want to 'part out' a fiberglass hull. Every hull has a dedicated HID for ID making this system redundant.
Having said that, painting a clear epoxy coating of vinyl letters will serve the purpose.
Having said that, painting a clear epoxy coating of vinyl letters will serve the purpose.
The entire documented vessel program seems a little silly really. Do you realize that as a Coast Guard documented vessel, you boat can be commandered and pressed into government service in time of national emergency? Seriously though, do you see the Navy wanting your boat to transport troops, munitions or cargo in time of war? It's a 19th century relic from when things like that actually happened and were important to national defense. Now it's just treated like a national title system.
We solved the problem by getting those stick on vinyl letters and putting on the hull inside the lazerette and then painting over with opoxy. Passed and CG said they were thankful they were placed high up above the stored stuff that gets thrown in there.
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