• Registering Your Boat
• Registration Fees
• Number Rules
• Certificate Application
• Validation Sticker
• Where to Get the Number-Name
• Applying the Name and Numbers
• Restore the Shine

OK, so you bought a boat. Now you want to get the pesky paperwork and housekeeping chores out of the way so you can get it in the water.
Here's what you need to do:

Registering Your Boat

You should register your boat in the state where it is primarily docked. Once registered, you will be issued a boat number. State regulations vary, so you should check with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles or the state's fish and game division where registration takes place.

Generally, however, there are certain rules that apply to most states:

Bring the title and be sure that the description matches your vessel. If you bought a new boat, then also bring the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MSO).

The length of the boat determines registration fees. You can obtain a "Certificate of Number" for one or three years.

You will also need the serial number or "Hull Identification Number." It is attached to the transom, on the starboard side of the vessel above the waterline. Since the mid-80s, the number should also be placed on the vessel in an area that isn't easily visible.

Site offers links to individual state regulation information. Click here to view your state's boat registration guidelines.

Registration Fees

Registration fees also vary, but here are some examples of what it will cost you to register your boat. Here are some examples:

New Jersey

• Under 16 feet-$12
• Under 26 feet-$28
• Under 40 feet-$52
• Under 65 feet-$80

Delaware

The figures represent the length of the boat and the cost of one or three year registrations:

• Under 16 feet-$10, $30
• 16 feet but less than 26-$20, $60
• 16 feet but less than 40-$30, $90
• 40 feet but less than 65, $50, $150
• 65 feet and up, $60, $180

Once the boat is registered, a registration card will be issued that must be kept in the vessel at all times.

Pennsylvania

• Under 16 feet-$20
• 16 to less than 20-feet-$30
• 20 feet and up-$40
• Click here to view your state's boat registration fees and guidelines.

Number Rules

The issued boat number must be painted on or permanently attached to the vessel in the following manner:

Return to Top

1. The application for a Certificate of Number requires the following information:
2. Name, address, date of birth and citizenship of owner
3. Social Security or driver's number of owner
4. State where boat will primarily be used
5. Any previously issued number
6. Whether the boat will be used for pleasure or business
7. Make, year and hull identification number
8. Length and type of vessel (open, house, cabin, etc.)
9. Motor type (outboard, inboard, sail) and fuel type (gasoline, diesel
10. Material of vessel (fiberglass, wood, etc.)

Validation Sticker

Once the boat is properly registered, you will receive a validation sticker or decal that must be displayed on the vessel. The sticker, containing the expiration date, must be displayed within 6 inches of the number.

Return to Top

Where to get the Number

Vinyl boat identification numbers and name decals can be purchased through a variety of online vendors. Identification numbers can be bought for as little as $20 a pair. Remember when ordering that you need a pair or set of two to meet marine regulations. (Beware that some companies charge per single sheet.) The cost of boat name decals is also reasonable.

Some companies charge by the size of the letters, the width of the decal or per letter. For example, one company may charge $34 for 3-inch letters and $54 for 6-inch letters no matter the width of the decal. Other companies charge according to width, not size of letter. One such firm sells name decals at $36 for 36-inches and $50 for 60 inches.

By-letter prices run about $1.50 for a 3-inch letter and $2.25 for a 6-inch letter.

Before ordering name decals, measure the dimensions of the area targeted. Also consider if you want color (other than black) or graphics included. Colored letters are often more expensive than plain black. Graphics costs also vary, sometimes depending upon whether or not you provide the graphic.

Return to Top

Applying Numbers and Names

If you have selected a name you may also want to apply it to the transom and/or sides of the boat.

Vinyl numbers and names should only be applied when temperatures are above 40-degrees Fahrenheit.

The first thing you should do is to make sure the surface is free of dust, dirt and wax so that the vinyl letters adhere well. A few drops of liquid detergent in a quart of water will make a good solution to clean the area. Before applying the decals, you should also wipe the surface with rubbing alcohol.

Return to Top

Restore that Shine

Once the registration number, name, validation sticker and other decals are applied, a quick application of a gelcoat wax will restore the shine to the area that was prepared for decal application.

Look for a product in a spray-pump container to make treating small areas of the boat quick and easy. Choose a premium marine wax product that's biodegradable and doesn't require more than a soft, clean rag for application.

You can't go wrong if you choose any of the following premium marine products. They are available at quality specialty marine supply stores near you.

PRODUCTS