Boating Tips

How to Rename a Boat (and Hold a Renaming Ceremony That Keeps Neptune Happy)
Sailors say renaming a boat without a ceremony is bad luck. Here's the step-by-step: purge the old name, ask Neptune to release it, christen the new one, and get fresh lettering on the hull. Read more...
How to Apply Vinyl Boat Lettering (Step-by-Step)
Clean hull, mild day, careful lineup, then press and burnish. Here is the dry and wet method for applying vinyl boat names and registration numbers without bubbles or crooked letters. Read more...
Navy boat bow with white registration numbers FL 3391 BK
Boat Registration Number Rules: Size, Spacing and Placement
The federal rules for displaying boat registration numbers (33 CFR 173.27) in plain English: 3-inch block characters, correct spacing, contrast, placement and decals. Read more...
Pontoon boat with "Happy Hour" vinyl lettering on the side panel
How to Choose the Right Size Boat Name Lettering
Small, Medium or Large? How to measure your transom, how far away each letter height can be read, the 4-inch rule for documented boats, and font tips. Read more...
Boat transom with vinyl boat name lettering
How to Remove Old Boat Lettering Without Damaging Your Hull
Old vinyl lettering comes off cleanly with gentle heat, a plastic blade and patience. Here is the step-by-step, plus how to deal with adhesive residue and the "ghost" of the... Read more...