Registration number options

[Alex Head]

Any recommended methods for applying registration numbers to PVC tubes?

I have seen several suggestions online such as:
1). Sharpie permanent marker with stencil kit
2). Vinyl letters - self adhesive style
3). Paint on stencil kit
4). Glue on number panel such as by www.boatnumberplate.com

All have some pros and cons. Any of you have any good or bad experiences worth sharing?

Obviously I worry about theft and wanting to have permanent or difficult to remove numbers. But getting glue all over my new tubes doesn't sound like much fun.

Thanks for your input!!

[whisper]

Originally Posted by Alex Head

Any recommended methods for applying registration numbers to PVC tubes?

2). Vinyl letters - self adhesive style

[Bigtalljv]

I just got an inset cut set in hypalon from Boyd at Annapolis inflatables. They look well made and were affordable in boat speak. Haven't mounted them yet or I'd send pictures.

Jason

[jyasaki]

I've always had problems with vinyl lettering on hypalon. The hypalon stretches and contracts just enough on inflation/deflation to loosen the lettering up.

Somebody makes a plastic or rubber plate that can be glued on, and vinyl lettering stuck to that, which helps a bit.

Otherwise, the die-cut lettering JV refers to, or the system sold at West Marine:
BOATNUMBERPLATE Registration Plate Numbering Kit | West Marine

(sorry for the long link - Westmarine.com and search for "registration" will get you there.)

jky

[steco1958]

I used

2). Vinyl letters - self adhesive style

For both name and number, all ok, no peeling encountered at all.

[C-NUMB]

2). Vinyl letters - self adhesive style, works fine on PVC. Just make sure you put them on a clean surface, then it will be fine.

[Alex Head]

Thanks for the responses so far! Awesome and helpful group as usual.


I have heard it works best to warm the vinyl decals with a hair dryer to allow them to stick better to the flexible material. Not sure if any of you had to do this.

[Gramas]

I had this problem of boat name and river number peeling off so for river number I did this

[steco1958]

Originally Posted by Alex Head

Thanks for the responses so far! Awesome and helpful group as usual.


I have heard it works best to warm the vinyl decals with a hair dryer to allow them to stick better to the flexible material. Not sure if any of you had to do this.

I applied mine in the June, must have been sunny and warm as it was done in my back garden

[Gramas]

And for boat name used stencil (later removed) and tube paint

[Gramas]

Finished look