Removing the registration numbers

[Ctskip]

I just bought a older sailboat and I need to remove the governments numbers off my hull. I believe these to be the 2 by 3 stick on type. I have sucessfully removed the vinal letters that made up the name with a hair dryer and now I need to remove these numbers off my bow. I have worked on one number and it was not the right way I know there has to be an easier way . Help?

 

[Steve677]

Razor

I removed/replaced the registration numbers on my H23 a couple of years ago. The numbers were crappy looking and I just wanted a cleaner look. I also removed the old name and replaced those as well. I used the hair dryer trick on the vinyl lettering but didn't have much luck with removing the registration numbers either. I used a flat razor, actually designed to scrap paint off windows, and was able to lift them fairly easily. Keep the blade pretty flat and kind of slice between the registration numbers and the gel coat slowly and carefully. Once you get her started you can put a little pull on the registration number while you are slicing. I had to rub out and buff off some glue residue. After all was said and done the hull looked perfect but I spent way too much time on it as the new registration numbers were applied in exactly the same place and would have covered the minor stuff.

 

[John Dawson]

stripe remover

I was using some adhesive remover from WM the other day that worked great on gooey adhesive remains, but they have a stripe and decal remover also. Oven cleaner has also been mentioned as effective. Maybe some gelcoat rubbing compound to follow.

 

[Chris]

Steve has it

right... the razor blade ia a holder is perfect and zips them right off with very little residue. I did mine and the stripe in about 15 minutes on a Hunter 23, and they had been on there since 1987. A little goof-off or goo-gone removes any little bits of adhesive left.Good sailing

 

[Ctskip]

Thanks

I'll try it one more time. I guess my razor was dull or I was ready to be done. I was planning on painting my numbers on and putting the official tag up on the mast base. I have seen it there on other ships. thanks

 

[Rich]

"Sticker Off"

Skip, Boater's World stores sell little black plastic bottles of stuff called "Sticker off" in their dinghy section. After you have the letters peeled off you can rub this stuff around on the glue with your finger and it will come neatly off and allow itself to be wiped up with a paper towel.

 

[Louis Holub]

REPLACING those GOVT. NUMBERS

Ive seen numbers placed on a nice plaque mounted on the BOW PULPIT on several boats in my Marina. Sure looks good. Future removal a snap, just remove the plaque...and ZIP...DONE !I was so impressed, my boat name is positioned on a nice alum. plaque, hung on both sides of the Bow Pulpit with Nylon "pull tite" straps. LOOKS GOOD, and easy to see DAY/or NIGHT with the reflective lettering. I borrowed this IDEA from several "upscale" boats in my MARINA.