USCG Documentation numbers

[snydzy]

Hello to all!
I have been enjoying this site for a few weeks now, thanks to all who contribute. I have a question as I have just received my US Coastguard Documentation. " 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 areas. I own a 2013 Ranger 25SC, and honestly am scratching my head as to where a good place would be to meet the above regulation. My Tugster has a lot options, ( generator, inverter, etc) and I'm not seeing a lot of room anywhere to do this. Anyone have a suggestion?

Thanks for your input !

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

We installed our Documentation numbers inside of the port side generator locker, on the panel between that locker and the engine room side wall. Another spot would be in the battery locker on (R27) the port side hull wall. You may have to take your batteries out to do the install but its a viable spot.

Jim F

 

[Just Dreamin']

We have a R25 classic and I affixed the numbers inside the aft starboard side storage locker and then applied three coats of epoxy.

 

[snydzy]

I guess the statement "clearly visable" is what I'm stumbling on the most... . My generator locker really has no space that would be deemed "clearly visable" The battery locker is really crowded, and the starboard aft locker side walls are full with the inverter battery charger, hot water heater, etc.. I've read other posts elsewhere that included having a placard made and riveting or gluing it to some structural member where the engine is located, but even there space is at a minimum. There are some partitions that would be could candidates but they aren't structural.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Does your 25SC have the cockpit transom seat with the removable cushions, like the R27? If so I just took the back cushion off and looked up in there and it appears that there on our boat there is enough room for documentation numbers up against the inside transom hull. If your 25SC is like our R27 take a look and see if this will work for you.

Jim F

 

[snydzy]

Thanks Jim,
Your post represents the best idea so far,... I haven't looked yet, but the R27 and R25SC have the same cockpit and I do recall some space behind the waste tank below that transom seat on the stern. Thanks for your post!

Snydzy

 

[Captain Steve]

My 25 Classic... the numbers are on the port side storage interior hull under the v berth mattress. I have been inspected and boarded and no problems. I did see others with an etched aluminum plate mounted above the head door. The NO that precede the numbers is revered to ON....still no problem!

 

[Boatagain]

Location is one thing, but how about marking the numbers themselves? Carve them in with a Dremel? Melt them in with a soldering iron? Use a Sharpie? Have some sort of plate professionally done? Your thoughts please.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

I bought 3 inch high black vinyl self adhering numbers. I sanded the location to rough up the surface and cleaned it with Aceton before I installed the letters. I then used a 3 inch tape to outline a blocked rectangle area around the grouped "NO and numbers. I then applied several coats of clear resin/epoxy, leaving a one inch boarder, over the adhered documentation numbers and took the tape off just before the resin settled up.

Jim

 

[Captain Steve]

Forgot to mention my numbers are the self adhering vinyl type

 

[Barry Cohen]

We had a number board made out of wood and the numbers routed in (just Google it) and we mounted it under the cabin dining table. Out of the way, but very accessible. It's on with Liquid Nails and it would take quite an effort to get it off. Not too mention the mess it would leave behind.

 

[Brian B]

I have a number board also. It is mounted under the cabin step on the board that would be in front of the engine. Probably doesn't meet the required CG specs. The boat has been through a few CG inspections and they have never asked to see the documentation numbers.

 

[rporterfield]

I will tell you from experience that the USCG Gold side may not always take as much detail notice as those of us who are USCG Auxiliary inspectors. For example because of the transom configuration of the R-25, R-27 it is difficult to have the vessel name AND hailing port in 4" letters and clearly readable. The option then is to place the name and hailing port on the bow..still must be 4". The interior numbers can be " painted, carved, or welded", " on some clearly visible interior integral structural part of the vessel". But I am also aware of both USCG Gold side and local law enforcement agencies that are very specific in their inspections. Still not sure why one feels the need to document vessels this small when they are not being used for commercial purposes. In most states they still need to have state registration tags. And they have the VIN etched into the hull on the transom. Curious?

Robert USCG Auxiliary SO-PV, VE
Buoy Navigator R-27

 

[S. Todd]

I am going Document our new R25SC because the lender requires it, not because we want to do it. There does not seem to be much benefit, but just added cost, in doing so. Apparently it gives the lender some additional rights in the event of default, which is their motivation for requiring it..

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

The two main benefits when a boat is documented are that the documented boat is a more secure form of collateral for lenders and that it is deemed easier to get into foreign ports because a documented boat is considered a National Registration. I've also heard that insurance for a documented boat could be less money depending on ones boating experience, state of residence and cruising grounds.

Jim

 

[knotflying]

Back to an answer to the original question: I adhered and covered my numbers the same way Kismet did his. I put my numbers in the port side v-berth storage area running on the side, along the top edge, starting at the bulkhead. All one has to do is lift the cushion and look. You may have to move whatever is stored there, but it is easy to see.