USCG Doc Number Mounting

[imiller]

Any recommendations for USCG number placard purchase and placement ? 2014; R29 Tug

 

[bluestreak]

I just received my Cert of Documentation and the instructions (NVDCINST 16713/1-1) states:
"For all vessels, the official number shown on the COD, preceded by the abbreviation "NO" must be marked in block-type Arabic numerals at least 3" high on some clearly visible interior structural part of the hull. The number must be permanently affixed so that alteration, removal or replacement would be obvious and cause some scarring or damage to the surrounding hull area".

The NVDCINST 16713/1-1 is a page and half long.
Hope this will help.

The question is how to affix the numbers.
Bill

 

[Haifisch]

For my R31S, the previous owner had the numbers laid down on a stringer on the bottom of the boat under the hatch just inside the cabin door. They used peel and stick license numbers and then glazed it over with clear resin to make it permanent. This was good enough for the USCG when I got boarded last summer.

 

[BB marine]

(1). Many use stick on numbers and stick them to the stringer in the engine compartment where they can be seen. The procedure for this is find an area that the complete number will fit including the "NO", box the area in using masking tape. scruff the area with sand paper 80 grit. Once area is sanded and de-waxed then stick the numbers to the stringer in the area prepared. Next mix-up some clear epoxy resin. Paint the epoxy resin over the numbers covering the complete area that you have prepared. Let the epoxy cure until just tacky and mix up another patch of epoxy resin. Paint that over the area again. Let that set up to tacky and remove masking tape. It will fully cure in a few days. That is a permanent installation of numbers.

Note: I use West System Epoxy 5 to 1.

(2). Another way to install is to use a piece of wood cut it to the dimensions needed for the complete number to fit. Epoxy seal the board. Sand after epoxy has set up and cure. Apply stick on numbers or paint numbers on the board. Apply another coat of epoxy over the board. Let that cure. Now find an area the the board will fit and be visual. Outline the area and the prep the area by sanding with 80 grit paper. De wax. Pre drill for mounting with 2 #10 self tapping screws to hold the board in place until the epoxy sets up. Now mix up a batch of West System Epoxy 5 to 1 with some micro- balloon fibers to thicken it to a paste. Apply the paste to the stringer and to the board. Fasten it with the 2 screws. Let the epoxy mix cure. This board is now part of the boat.


Both installations will show evidence of removal if someone tried to remove. I used method (2) because I thought the installation looked cleaner and finished.

 

[Toucan]

For TOUCAN, we had Bay Engraving in Bellingham, WA, make our documentation number plate out of a two-color plastic sandwich. We used 5200 to attach it to the side of the starboard cockpit locker. Bay Engraving does a lot of these and is very familiar with the Coast Guard's requirements. In 2017, they charged us $73 including shipping and we received it quickly. The plate was beautifully done. We recommend them.

Barry Thompson
M/V TOUCAN
R-27 Classic