registration numbers on an inflatable

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Geoff K

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Nov 9, 2008
115
Pearson 323 Bayfield
How do you make registration letters/numbers stick to a PVC inflatable? We put them on yesterday, pulled the dinghy out of the garage to bake in the sun today, thinking that would help the adhesive set, but this afternoon the numbers were falling off. How do I make them stick? The dinghy is a BRIG. the surface is not smooth, more like a pebbly vinyl automotive dash board.

Geoff
 
caguy

caguy

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Sep 22, 2006
4,004
Catalina, Luger C-27, Adventure 30 Marina del Rey
I understand that a Magic Marker works well.
 
DougM

DougM

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Jul 24, 2005
2,242
Beneteau 323 Manistee, MI
I agree with cat38skip. I used the stencil/paint method along with the glue on state sticker frame. It seem to be about the only thing that works. You might even be able to get the kit on this site. If not, worst marine will have it...
 
Mulf

Mulf

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Dec 2, 2003
400
Hunter 410 Chester, MD (Kent Island)
About those plastic number plates linked above.....

I currently have them as they seemed like a simple solution when I got the dink. However, since we store our dink upside down on the foredeck they are a nuisance to take on and off each time. I have bought the stencil and paint supplies (defender.com) and will be switching over this summer. In watching this topic on this site, one idea I have seen that makes sense is to stick the state decal on the hard wooden transom.
 
Rich Stidger

Rich Stidger

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Feb 10, 2004
4,183
Hunter 40.5 Warwick, RI
I have found that the stencils and paint are a mess to use. The paint ALWAYS bleeds under the stencil.

I have had much better luck using the stencils with a black magic marker. However the marker does transfer if you fold the dinghy within a few days after marking. And this needs to be re-done every couple of years because the numbers fade.

Regarding the registration sticker, I've tried contact cement with some success but the edges still curl up.
 
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Geoff K

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Nov 9, 2008
115
Pearson 323 Bayfield
Thanks

Good ideas to try. The state sticker seems to be staying OK, just the numbers failing. Will probably try the stencil/magic marker first. Not to worried about fuzzy edges.

Geoff
 
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Steve Dion

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Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Geoff:

I had some numbers made at a regular sign shop for our hypalon dink. They are still sticking after 3 years. This was the same type of vinyl that you would use for the name on your sailboat.

Be sure to clean the surface with a cleaner before trying to afix the vinyl. I used the magic marker and it works, but it needs to be done periodically.

You can also get one of those plastic boards that are attached with bungee cord and glue on attachment points.
 
inarathree

inarathree

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Jun 16, 2010
495
In search of my next boat Palm Harbor, FL
Although not "legal" I have seen people put the numbers/registration decal on the motor of their inflatable.
 
All U Get

All U Get

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Oct 2, 2008
3,811
Pearson/ 530 Strafford, NH
Geoff K said:
How do you make registration letters/numbers stick to a PVC inflatable? We put them on yesterday, pulled the dinghy out of the garage to bake in the sun today, thinking that would help the adhesive set, but this afternoon the numbers were falling off. How do I make them stick? The dinghy is a BRIG. the surface is not smooth, more like a pebbly vinyl automotive dash board.

Geoff
Click to expand
Hi Geoff,
We just did our Brig with regular vinyl letters after we cleaned it with vinyl cleaner. They were still there yesterday but after reading these posts we're going to go around them with a marker. The PO of the dingy had letters that were falling off so maybe thats why.
All U Get
 
Ron20324

Ron20324

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Jan 22, 2008
8,050
Beneteau 323 Annapolis MD
I got mine 4 years ago at Accent Graphics, Inc. In Annapolis, MD. www.accentgraphics.com . 410-268-641. They custom-make them from a ripstop-type fabric that is adhesive-backed.
 
thinwater

thinwater

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Mar 26, 2011
3,835
Corsair F-24 MK I Deale, MD
Rich Stidger said:
I have found that the stencils and paint are a mess to use. The paint ALWAYS bleeds under the stencil.
Click to expand
You don't use paint on the stencils; outline with a Sharpie, remove the stencil, and then fill the outline. With a steady hand, about 15 minutes per side. Lasts several years (3?). Subsequent paintings you just trace the old numbers.

I found that the seat on my inflatable, supported by pockets on the tubes, required a lot of air and that a heavy person on the seat was a real strain for the fabric. However, a properly fitted milk crate (strong one) under the seat provided great support and a place for things like permits (operators licenses and fishing) and other essencials (sound devise, lights, sunscreen).
 
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Benny17441

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May 24, 2004
7,202
CC 30 South Florida
Best to paint them on with the help of stencils. The tricky part is attaching the registration which most attach to the transom board. Painting the numbers also help combat theft as they are not easily removed.
 
FourPoints

FourPoints

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Apr 8, 2010
1,606
Frers 33 41426 Westport, CT
Before using the clip on board meathod, verify they are legal in your state. Here in Connecticut they are not.

The letters must be difficult to remove from for it to be legal, and zip ties (most common way of attaching those boards) are easy to remove.
 
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Geoff K

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Nov 9, 2008
115
Pearson 323 Bayfield
Lots of good advice here. In the meantime, my wife found a place that sells a stick on plaque to put numbers on. Here's the web site. http://boatnumberplate.com/ I'll try and remember to report back on how it works.

Thanks all for your input.

Geoff
 
All U Get

All U Get

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Oct 2, 2008
3,811
Pearson/ 530 Strafford, NH
My vinyl ones already started curling and I outlined them with a marker. The others I used a paint stick to do the numbers. I only got one reversed by doing them upside down hanging from the davits.
All U Get
 
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