Dinghy reg numbers

Carvervirgin

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Happy Memorial Day weekend! Can anyone suggest the best way to attach registration numbers to a PVC dinghy? Thanks
 
+1.....we stenciled and used marker pen.
 
Then there's the issue of the registration stickers not sticking well to PVC or Hypalon inflatables. I used Boat Number Plates (available at the big retail stores) a couple of years ago and they're holding up fine.

boat_pic_for_web_jpeg.jpg
 
I've used those plates also and simply hooked them on to the lines on the side. They hold up well but I felt sometimes they were in the way when I wanted to pull the dinghy out, etc.
 
quote:

Originally posted by BJL

I've used those plates also and simply hooked them on to the lines on the side. They hold up well but I felt sometimes they were in the way when I wanted to pull the dinghy out, etc.






Different products. What I referred to is adhered to the vessel. It may vary from state to state, but I know here in MD numbers must be permanently attached, so tying something on to those lines doesn't meet requirements.
 
quote:

Originally posted by Carvervirgin

Mixmasn, how do the plates stay on?






I believe they're now offering a self-adhesive option. When I put mine on I used a 2-part adhesive according to the instructions that came with the plates. Tape area off, scuff area lightly with sand paper, acetone area clean, adhere plates. These roll up with the dingy easily when deflated.
 
Kurt, in NJ it's the same deal the numbers must be permanently attached unless they are dealers numbers.
 
quote:

Originally posted by Billylll

Kurt, in NJ it's the same deal the numbers must be permanently attached unless they are dealers numbers.






What if the vessel is designed in such a way that normal placement of the numbers would obscure them or otherwise make them difficult to read?
 
I went with the same thing as Kurt and I was very happy with they until they started to peal off the dinghy! I roll my dinghy up when not in use and I don't think it really likes this! I will try to re-clue them but I don't expect much success with this. I have other friends that leave their dinks inflated and have had better luck and then I have another friend or two the left them inflated and theirs too pealed off. I'm not sure what the answer is but when the hold it's a great concept.
 
I have a new dinghy and just registered it. Once I got the numbers, I went to a local plastic shop, and they cut me some starboard pieces about 4 inches high by 22 inches long. I place registration numbers and sticker on that, drilled some holes, zip tied them to the the line thats attached to the raft, and done

No idea if its legal or not, but let someone pull me over and tell me then Ill correct it. There is no perfect solution.
 
quote:

Originally posted by BoatCrazy

I have a new dinghy and just registered it. Once I got the numbers, I went to a local plastic shop, and they cut me some starboard pieces about 4 inches high by 22 inches long. I place registration numbers and sticker on that, drilled some holes, zip tied them to the the line thats attached to the raft, and done

No idea if its legal or not, but let someone pull me over and tell me then Ill correct it. There is no perfect solution.






Not legal in NY, Also real easy for someone to cut off and make it harder to find!
 
quote:

Originally posted by BoatCrazy

I have a new dinghy and just registered it. Once I got the numbers, I went to a local plastic shop, and they cut me some starboard pieces about 4 inches high by 22 inches long. I place registration numbers and sticker on that, drilled some holes, zip tied them to the the line thats attached to the raft, and done

No idea if its legal or not, but let someone pull me over and tell me then Ill correct it. There is no perfect solution.






They'll have to put me in jail as well.

RWS
 
I was able to use a stencil and spray paint (made for recoloring auto seats) on a PVC dinghy but it wouldn't stick to a hypalon dinghy so I used a stencil and a magic marker. It fades in a year or so.

The lawmakers and dinghy manufactures should get together and figure out a solution because there's no good way, especially if you inflate and deflate the dinghy often.
 
John, I used the number plate like Mixman. I bought a kit at West Marine. Fill out an online form and the plate shows up in the mail with number affixes.

Be sure you use the correct number if you're not registering the dinghy separately. After getting much conflicting info on what registration number applies to a tender to a documented boat, I consulted VT statutes. The appropriate number is the four digit number on your large boat registration followed by -1. (VT 3631-1).
 
+1 to Mixman's solution.

Good results on all of our inflatables so far.
Hope this helps
 
I use a UV stable "Paint Marker". Permanent and it helps discourage theft. It does not come off
 
"Not legal in NY, Also real easy for someone to cut off and make it harder to find!"

The dinghy sits on a trailer in my garage when not in use. I plan on taking the registration numbers off everytime I am done using the dinghy, this way I have the numbers at all times.

I highly doubt someone is going to bust my ball about how the registration numbers are attached to my dinghy...
 
I've heard it happen in both MD and FL. Why give them an excuse or reason to stop and bother you? I had a good friend get a lecture because he didn't have whistles with him on his dink when he was stopped. It all depends on the mood and personality of the LEO you encounter.
 
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