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Getting Your Boat in the Water

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.

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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:

  • 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

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Number Rules

  1. The issued boat number must be painted on or permanently attached to the vessel in the following manner:
  2. The number must be applied to each side of the bow or forward half of the boat.
  3. Numbers must be placed as high above the waterline as possible.
  4. The numbers must be in bold, plain block characters no smaller than 3-inches high.
  5. The numbers must be easily visible and contrast with the background color
  6. Spaces and hyphens must be at least as wide as any number but "1" or letter other than "I".
  7. Letters and numbers must be read from left to right.

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Certificate of Number Application

  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.)

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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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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PRODUCTS AT A GLANCE

Maintain an attractive clean vessel and store unused gear appropriately. You may want to try Heller Glanz Boat Maintenance Products to help you keep your boat in tiptop shape. Heller Glanz products are designed to protect and maintain a boat's lustrous shine and refresh boat hardware and gear.

Heller Glanz Marine Maintenance Products are the best-kept secret in the boating world! The number-one producer of high-end products is now offering its full line of boat wash, waxes, cleaners and premium marine maintenance items online.

The Heller Glanz Carnauba Cream Wax is a fine example of the high standards established for each item in this quality product line.

Heller Glanz Carnauba Cream Wax is made from a special liquid formula designed to renew the luster of all fiberglass surfaces on your boat while leaving each surface with a smooth, silky finish. Applied with just a rag or buffer, Heller Glanz Carnauba Cream Wax will seal your boat in a protective coating of the hardest wax surface known to man.

Best of all, Heller Glanz products are sold at up to half the price of its nearest competitors.

Heller Glanz, German for "bright gloss," boasts products that live up to its name. Heller Glanz Marine Maintenance Products include: Black Streak Remover, Carnauba Cream Wax, Boat Wash Concentrate, Quick Gloss Clear Spray Wax, Leather and Vinyl Cleaner and Protectant, Heavy Duty Restorer Wax, Bilge Cleaner and All Purpose Degreaser, Metal Polish, Fabric Waterproofer and Stain Repellent Spray, and Rainshield for Glass. Visit www.hellerglanz.com to view our full line of products online.

 

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