New registration numbers, where is best?

[Trucky]

Newly registered in NC after coming from FL last month. I know the numbers have to be clearly visible on the forward half of the hull. I've already removed and polished out the FL numbers and you have to look really hard to know there was ever anything there. The graphics don't leave enough room to slide them further towards the bow above the gunwale so it's either where the old ones were or more forward on the hull, just under the gunwale. Any thoughts?

View attachment 21161

 

[DaFish]

I would refer to the state regulations - most are very specific where they are to be placed. I do not know the regs in your state, but in our state, the required placement leaves little room for interpretation. I would be inclined to put them forward and below the rubrail - they won't distract from the nice SR graphics that way.

 

[Kermit]

Newly registered in NC after coming from FL last month. I know the numbers have to be clearly visible on the forward half of the hull. I've already removed and polished out the FL numbers and you have to look really hard to know there was ever anything there. The graphics don't leave enough room to slide them further towards the bow above the gunwale so it's either where the old ones were or more forward on the hull, just under the gunwale. Any thoughts?

View attachment 21161

I am also in NC and mine are just under the gunwale. There are no problems with visibility or legality and are not likely to get rubbed by my passengers.

 

[Trucky]

North Carolina only states

"The vessel registration numbers must be painted or permanently affixed on the
forward half of each side of the vessel in the position where it may be easily seen
and no other number may be displayed on either side of the bow. The validation
decal must be displayed on the starboard bow."

That leaves a lot of real estate up for choice. I'm leaning towards your suggestion, I just want to do it right the first time and not kick myself later.

 

[shogun95]

There are many of us in NC that have the number just below the gunwale and forward. Never heard of anyone having an issue. Just make sure the are a high contrast color with your hull. Based on your picture black or brown should be OK.

 

[Kermit]

Here are the official instructions. No mention of above or below and the picture can be interpreted either way:

http://www.ncwildlife.org/License/documents/pg1c2_b1.pdf

 

[rcknecht]

that's funny place for the registration... On my 190 they are on the bow under the rub rail

 

[Trucky]

There are many of us in NC that have the number just below the gunwale and forward. Never heard of anyone having an issue. Just make sure the are a high contrast color with your hull. Based on your picture black or brown should be OK.

I'm having them printed in a dark hunter green to match the graphics. It should contrast well on the white hull.

Here are the official instructions. No mention of above or below and the picture can be interpreted either way:

http://www.ncwildlife.org/License/documents/pg1c2_b1.pdf

True. I've read their rules several times and they seem to leave a lot of latitude up to the owner.

that's funny place for the registration... On my 190 they are on the bow under the rub rail

My thoughts as well, plus they weren't straight so they had to go! Plus I'd say the original location may not qualify for the front half rule.

Thanks guys, you all seem to have confirmed my initial thoughts of the "traditional" location. I appreciate everyone's input.

 

[MonacoMike]

I wish I had put mine below the rub rail. MM

 

[Trucky]

I wish I had put mine below the rub rail. MM

MM, I was totally surprised when I started to take off my old numbers. They had been on since the boat was new in 99. I used a straight edge to carefully lift a corner and slowly peeled each one off. The square stack of overlaid reg stickers was the hardest, but the entire process took less than 5 minutes for both sides. The side that was in the sun came off the cleanest. What sticky spots that were left over I used a combination of razor, WD-40 and some Attwood Marine Polish I had. The polish worked best and start to finish the entire project took maybe 12 minutes. It's nearly impossible for me to tell where they were, even up close. The new set is like $29 for both sides and come pre-set and spaced so it's just a peel and stick from the local FastSign joint.

 

[blackdog043]

Put them just below the rub rail and start the numbers about the middle of your spare tire. That's where I have mine and have never been bothered on Lake Norman. They are very visible when you are on the water in that location.

 

[Trucky]

Here's what I ended up doing. The letters are a dark forest green to match the graphics. They show up lighter in the photo than they really are. Thanks for all the ideas!

View attachment 21236

 

[blackdog043]

Good spot, you'll be fine with them there!!

 

[MonacoMike]

looks good. MM