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Where to order boat numbering for new Horizons?
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Author:  cougarcruiser [ Sat Mar 01, 2008 7:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Where to order boat numbering for new Horizons?
Hopefully, I'm not the only person thinking about this since there are a bunch of new boat owners around here... but I finally got around to the trip to the DOL here in Washington to register the new boat. Got my trailer plates and boat registration - but now I need to get my registration numbers on the boat.

I've looked around boaters world, overtons, and a couple online sites... where is a good place to order some high quality vinyl numbering for my numbers?

I want to do a softer script than the standard block lettering... probably just white numbers against my black hull... might be interested in some sort of gradient style if I can find one that will work against a black hull.

Ideas?
Author:  millhaven_nice_guy [ Sat Mar 01, 2008 7:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to order boat numbering for new Horizons?
Your best bet is to go and sit with the computer layout person at a local sign shop! They can choose from a multitude of fonts and show you on the screen exactly what they will look like on a black background. My letters cost my $40 for a double color font and were ready immediately. I just took them home and applied them. Unfortunately, I rushed to buy mine and now I don't like them but sometime this summer I will replace them.
Author:  230 Mike [ Sat Mar 01, 2008 7:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to order boat numbering for new Horizons?
I changed mine last season, taking off my original "cartoon letters" that I had above the rub rail, and replaced them with numbers from BoatUS. I love these numbers. I can take more pics if it would help. See http://www.boatus/graphics if interested.

Image
Author:  law950 [ Sat Mar 01, 2008 8:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to order boat numbering for new Horizons?
Hey Cougar....I got my numbers/letters from a website specializing in boat lettering. I forget the exact site that I used, but I am very happy with them...if you look around on-line you will find plenty to choose from.

I also have black gel coat so I decided to go with silver colored numbers and letters to match my boats color scheme....they came out real nice too.....I'll try and post a pic for you....attached below is the website address of the place I used....

https://www.myboatsign.com/Default.aspx
Author:  bhurley [ Sat Mar 01, 2008 10:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to order boat numbering for new Horizons?
Cougar, I always have mine done by the guy who does my lettering for our boat name. This time he will make my bow letters the name and the sticker I had on the transom (near cockpit door) of my last boat that says. Naked feet only.

Come on spring.

Thanks Bill
Author:  cougarcruiser [ Sun Mar 02, 2008 12:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to order boat numbering for new Horizons?
I did some checking around and came up with this design... pretty basic... would be in 3'' white reflective vinyl...

Thoughts? Anyone try a script like this and it didn't look very good on the actual boat?

Image
Author:  230 Mike [ Sun Mar 02, 2008 12:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to order boat numbering for new Horizons?
I think it looks great, and it's a good match with the whole "SS thing." Depending on the leanings of whoever patrols your waters, you may need to be a little bit careful about legibility. The written law is usually 3" block letters. You can almost always deviate from that, but the degree of deviation allowed can vary by locale.
Author:  law950 [ Sun Mar 02, 2008 11:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to order boat numbering for new Horizons?
Hey Cougar, Mike is correct...what you've posted looks pretty good and I think it will go well if you have the new SS graphics.

But, I boat in the same waters you do. I am very familiar with the three largest law enforcement agencies that patrol those waters (I have friends with those agencies)...and they are sticklers for legibility when it comes to boat numbers. I personally think your numbers look fine, but then again...that's just my opinion.

Use this simple test...get three "reasonable" people to try and read your numbers from a distance...if they can read them and discern them easily...you should be good to go.
Author:  cougarcruiser [ Sun Mar 02, 2008 11:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to order boat numbering for new Horizons?
Here is option #2 that the admiral has signed off on.

Think this one is more visible? Should note... these will be 3'' and reflective white vinyl against the Classic black hull. And I hate to admit it - but I'll be coping Mike's placement just to the stern of the docking lights.

Image
Author:  230 Mike [ Sun Mar 02, 2008 9:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to order boat numbering for new Horizons?
cougarcruiser wrote:
And I hate to admit it - but I'll be coping Mike's placement


Is my stuff that bad? :?

I think the 2nd choice is much more legible and looks great, but isn't nearly as good a match with the SS theme. It's a much classier, traditional look. I think either one would be a good choice, assuming the first wouldn't get you into trouble with LE.
Author:  cougarcruiser [ Sun Mar 02, 2008 11:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to order boat numbering for new Horizons?
I'm thinking option number 2 at this point... reasons... 1) I don't have an SS boat. 2) visibility would be better.

And Mike... copying your placement as an example of your outstanding leadership on the board. :D
Author:  230 Mike [ Sun Mar 02, 2008 11:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to order boat numbering for new Horizons?
cougarcruiser wrote:
1) I don't have an SS boat.


Sorry 'bout that - I thought I was the only one on this board without an SS :roll:

cougarcruiser wrote:
And Mike... copying your placement as an example of your outstanding leadership on the board. :D


Pffffffffffffffffffft.
Author:  Flying Sushi [ Mon Mar 03, 2008 10:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to order boat numbering for new Horizons?
Mike and Cougarcruiser: If you guys don`t mind I will jump on the band wagon and copy it for my new boat.
If I run into you guys I owe you guy a lunch…..and drink! :D
Author:  cougarcruiser [ Mon Mar 03, 2008 12:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to order boat numbering for new Horizons?
Got the numbers ordered up from BoatUS last night... Went with the Roman style (Option 2). Should see them either end of this week or early next week.

Koji - we just want to see more pictures of your boat. And what the heck is going on out there with all that snow? Will you guys be boating by the end of April? :D

Mike - when you installed your numbers - did you do the soap & water trick - or did you just apply them like a regular sticker?
Author:  230 Mike [ Mon Mar 03, 2008 1:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to order boat numbering for new Horizons?
You need to do the soap & water, it's the only way. I went to WalMart and bought a small spray bottle for 75 cents and it worked perfectly. If you put them in the same location I did, plan on it taking a lot more time you might expect. I think mine took a total of about 2 hours, believe it or not, but I might be able to save you some time here; I had some mis-steps.

The numbers necessarily come on a straight strip of backing paper, but you're planning to install them on a complex curved surface - the hull curves in every dimension and direction at that location. I also wanted them to be centered within the colored hull stripe. Without giving it much thought, I started out trying to apply them straight off the backer in one step, and of course it looked awful. For that location you need to cut the strip of numbers into at least 3 pieces - the prefix as one piece, then the numbers, then the suffix, and apply them individually (I didn't find it necessary to cut each individual character into it's own piece, but you could do that if you wanted). This also helps as the numbers adhere and dry surprisingly fast with the soap & water, and having smaller pieces to work with takes some of the stress off of getting the placement right and getting all the bubbles out before moving on. And be careful about those bubbles, I found that when I was at the point where I thought they were all out, I was really about 80% done. You really need to look closely and at different lighting angles to see them all. They send a squegee with the numbers and it works well, just take your time. If you need to lift and re-position, you can, but *carefully*. Keep everything wet & soapy, it's the special sauce.

Having docking lights is a real help here, because you can use them as a reference for how far back on the hull to place the numbers. I used a small flexible tape measure to ensure I started the numbers at the same distance aft of the light housings, but once the starting point was established I trusted my eyes for centering, etc. I recommend you do the same. I started out trying to use masking tape as a guide, but gave up on that, learning once again that the eye does a better job of picking up on subtle positioning changes than any tool can. It helped me to remember that this isn't like drilling holes. The very worst that can happen is that I have to heat them off and order another set.

I recommend doing the port side first, since that's where you'll go through the "learning curve" and the numbers are going from left to right. Then when you go over to starboard and have to apply them backwards, you'll have the confidence to do it right. Good lighting is a MUST.

By the time you're done you'll have dribbled soap & water all down the side of your boat, so I waited until the next day and then re-waxed that whole area. Then you can finally stand back and admire your work. And, post PICS!
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