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. A boat name, boat lettering and other information
to register boat or boat registration is available with boat
help for boat registration tips or to buy boat numbers.
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). A boat name, boat lettering and
other information to register boat or boat registration is
available with boat help for boat registration tips or to
buy boat numbers.
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.
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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, A boat name, boat lettering
and other information to register boat or boat registration
is available with boat help for boat registration tips or
to buy boat numbers.:
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
Two year period, expiring March 31 of second year
Under 16 feet-$20
16 to less than 20-feet-$30
20 feet and up-$40
A boat name, boat lettering and other information to register
boat or boat registration is available with boat help for
boat registration tips or to buy boat numbers.
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Number Rules
The issued boat number must be painted on or permanently attached
to the vessel in the following manner:
The number must be applied to each side of the bow or forward
half of the boat. A boat name, boat lettering and other information
to register boat or boat registration is available with boat
help for boat registration tips or to buy boat numbers.
Numbers must be placed as high above the waterline as possible.
The numbers must be in bold, plain block characters no smaller
than 3-inches high.
The numbers must be easily visible and contrast with the background
color A boat name, boat lettering and other information to
register boat or boat registration is available with boat
help for boat registration tips or to buy boat numbers.
Spaces and hyphens must be at least as wide as any number
but "1" or letter other than "I".
Letters and numbers must be read from left to right.
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Certificate of Number Application
The application for a Certificate of Number requires the following
information: A boat name, boat lettering and other information
to register boat or boat registration is available with boat
help for boat registration tips or to buy boat numbers.
Name, address, date of birth and citizenship of owner
Social Security or driver's number of owner
State where boat will primarily be used
Any previously issued number
Whether the boat will be used for pleasure or business
Make, year and hull identification number A boat name, boat
lettering and other information to register boat or boat registration
is available with boat help for boat registration tips or
to buy boat numbers.
Length and type of vessel (open, house, cabin, etc.)
Motor type (outboard, inboard, sail) and fuel type (gasoline,
diesel)
Material of vessel (fiberglass, wood, etc.)
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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.
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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.) A boat
name, boat lettering and other information to register boat
or boat registration is available with boat help for boat
registration tips or to buy boat numbers.
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.
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Applying Numbers and Names
Once your boat is registered, all you have to do is get the
number decals and put them on the boat.
If you have selected a name you may also want to apply it to
the transom and/or sides of the boat. A boat name, boat lettering
and other information to register boat or boat registration
is available with boat help for boat registration tips or to
buy boat numbers.
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 A boat name, boat lettering
and other information to register boat or boat registration
is available with boat help for boat registration tips or to
buy boat numbers.. Before applying the decals, you should also
wipe the surface with rubbing alcohol.
Once the numbers decal is applied, a good washing and waxing
is in order. Heller Glanz Marine Maintenance Products will make
doing so a breeze A boat name, boat lettering and other information
to register boat or boat registration is available with boat
help for boat registration tips or to buy boat numbers..
Heller Glanz Wash 'n' Wax, is a particularly impressive product
as it has the ability to perform on all surfaces of the boat
... from bow to stern and windshield to deck plates. Heller
Glanz Wash 'n' Wax is just one of a new line of premium marine
maintenance product and it contains a carnauba polymer that
adds a rich luster to fiberglass, metal and painted surfaces.
Give your boat a Heller Glanz shine so you can proudly display
your boat's new registration number.
