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.
Return to Top
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.
Return to Top
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.
Return to Top
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.)
Return to Top
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.) 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.
Return to Top
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.
