CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

[jameshunt]

Finally was able to register the SIB, purchased number kit from local boat store (Sea Witch) and was wonderning if the peel apart stickers will adhere to the factory PVC or will I need some special adhesive? also as a side note, I have seen many photos on this site with SIBs with motors but no CF Numbers. Are people simply ignoring the regs? From what I have read, Fed regulations no longer permit the use of "holder plates" affixed or hung over the tubes. They state it must "permanent".

 

[ssobol]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

I went the permanent marker route (mentioned in this forum) on my PVC RIB. Just got some stencils and colored them in. Was easy and worked fine. Probably have to renew the coloring next year.

 

[jameshunt]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

yah, I had forgotten about that simple solution (K>I>S>S). So, I guess I can always try the kit, and if it does not work out, do as you suggest and get some 3 inch stencils.

Thanks.

 

[fbpooler]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

Years ago, the state department of natural resources folks told me to affix the state stickers to the transom. One had to be visible from the steering position and one was on the outside of the transom.

We registered a new boat this year, and we put 3 x 3 hypalon mounts on the boat. The state stickers are in the normal position on the bow.

I don't know if the authorities would give us any grief with either boat as long as the registration numbers were on the bow. We use majic markers to put the numbers on the boats.

I would ask someone in authority before making the decision to purchase the hypalon mounting pieces, as they are a pain to affix. As long as the hull registration numbers are in the proper location, they may not care about the state sticker.

 

[jameshunt]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

yah, kind of frustrating this register sticker CF number thing. I have read probably every post available and think the best solution for the CF numbers is stencil/marker. The state sticker presents a little more of a problem. I may stop by West Marine and see what they have in the way of mounts, or perhaps just cut a 3 x 3 square of pvc and use patch glue that came with the boat. The registration decal will probably stick to that okay. geesh, what a hassle for something so simple! Hell, maybe that self stick clear laminating stuff for ID's e.t.c. might work.

 

[fbpooler]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

The 3x3 mounts we used came from West Marine and are fairly stiff. I am still not sold on how long the stickers will stay attached to the hypalon, but the stiffness helps prevent excess bending of fabric under the stickers when folding up the boat.

The glueing instructions are to apply hypalon adhesive to the 3x3 pieces and then to glue them to the boat using PVC adhesive. Mounts plus required glues gets expensive.

You are right that the stickers are a can of worms. That is why our old boat has the stickers on the transom. No one has ever questioned them, but there are a lot of cowboys working for the government these days, and you never know how they might view state sticker positioning. I always held the belief that if we were brought up on charges, stating that stickers would not stay on a flexible rubber tube would be sufficient in court.

 

[jameshunt]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

well, dont want to take any chances with the Gendarmes we have here, sometimes they can get a little anal.

Meanwhile, I am trying an old handicap placard (hangs from rear view mirror). The state sticker seems to adhere pretty well and they are 3 inches wide already. Then hopefully, scotchweld or the glue that comes with the patch kit will hold to boat. Its PVC not hypalon.
Pretty much exhausted this thread, but I am sure I am not the first nor the last.

Thanks again for the input.

James

 

[fbpooler]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

James, it would be nice if others told us what their solutions were.

 

[jameshunt]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

QU
TE=fbpooler;3460286]James, it would be nice if others told us what their solutions were.[/QUOTE]

oH, they have been, I have learned a LOT, sometimes maybe too much input, having to separate the wheat from the chaff, but all those responses get my gears to turn and I usually come with some pretty fair solutions myself. The Handicap placard worked great so far. The decal sticks to it, and hopefully so will the adhesive I got from West Marine.

 

[firepro86]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

Depending on the size of your motor you might be sble to put the cf stickers on the motor cowling. I used to be in the coast guard and for us out of Sector LA/LB this was acceptable because we could the numbers from our bridge.

 

[jameshunt]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

Probably could and no one would give you any grief, however...the reg states it has to be on the front half of the boat with the state registration 3 inches trailing the CF numbers. I am not in complete compliance however, as a portion of the numbers do not contrast well i.e. the black lettering portions are against a Navy BLue background on the boat's grapics, I will paint it white if I am ever questioned, but neanwhile not going to fret over it.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

You will likely get hassled. I got hassled because my VHF antenna (thin metal, not the thick fiberglass rod) when folded down goes across the CF number decals on one side, apparently obscuring about a 1mm wide strip of them

 

[jameshunt]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

Geesh....:facepalm:

You will likely get hassled. I got hassled because my VHF antenna (thin metal, not the thick fiberglass rod) when folded down goes across the CF number decals on one side, apparently obscuring about a 1mm wide strip of them

 

[fbpooler]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

Not everyone charged with enforcing the law is mature or capable of common sense. Some are small people on an ego trip and like to throw their weight around. I would imagine a picture of the boat with the sticker "obscured" by the antenna would get the case thrown out of court.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

Not everyone charged with enforcing the law is mature or capable of common sense. Some are small people on an ego trip and like to throw their weight around. I would imagine a picture of the boat with the sticker "obscured" by the antenna would get the case thrown out of court.

Probably so. It went like this; I am fishing in SD Bay. Harbor cop pulls up to me, throwing a wake over my transom, cutting my line, to try to find a way to write me a ticket (ticket book literally in hand), stating right off the bat that I lack required safety gear. I point out that I am only 15', too short for the 16' requirements; besides which, I do meet all those safety gear requirements (and more), wanna come on board and see? No, no fine in that, he says. Then he says I should get a ticket for no pfd on. Yeah, maybe I should have pfd on, but as far as the regs, I am over 12 years old. So then he comments on the antenna obscuring the number. I put up antenna. Then he claims the numbers are not visible enough because they are on a slightly angled rather than perfectly vertical section of hull. I point out that so are his. Then he says I should have fishing license visible. Actually, no, law changed this year, just has to be "on my person"; wanna see my license? He scowls, races off like a jackhole, nearly swamping me, to try to find another ticket to write.

Guarantee if my numbers had been 2-7/8" tall, crooked, reg sticker only 2-7/8" from numbers, not contrasting enough, etc. I would have gotten a ticket from that guy.

USCG is always way more courteous than that; even the Naval PT boats have been more courteous when I drift too close to a carrier.

EDIT: sorry this doesn't help put numbers on your RIB. But do be sure to follow the letter of the regs. Last I saw CA does allow inflatables to use a removable placard for CF and reg stickers, unlike on a solid-hulled craft; you say there's a federal law that trumps that?

 

[jameshunt]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

wow, hope I dont meet that turkey in SD Bay. Last week on maiden voyage with the Intrex, launched at Shelter Island, trying to get used to steering e.t.c. ventured out into the middle of the channel. A harbor police boat came bearing down on us lights flashing, then politely got on the bull horn and told us to make way for the "warship" coming out the channel. It was an Aircraft Carrier, he told us to head back to my port side and stay North of the Green Channel Marker Buoy. No ticket, no checking, we complied and he did not bother us any more. Had it been your guy, I probably would have been arrested, questioned for hours on end on suspected terrorist activity!

It is my understanding that the new law prohibiting removable placards e.t.c. was brought by involvement with Home Land Security. I did read the actual quote somewhere on this forum on a related subject.

 

[jameshunt]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

found the reg:

http://www.usps.org/national/vsc/formtool_files/display.htm

calls for "permanently mounted registration numbers". There is also a more recent reg, but even the old one says "permanently mounted" Placards may be used but must be bolted or screwed (not tied).

 

[ajgraz]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

Here's your out for a RIB based on that Federal reg:

There are exemptions and exceptions for vessels operated by dealers for
the purposes of demonstration, and for vessels due to their construction
that cannot fully comply with the regulations as written.

Check CA regs. You'll be fine with a tie-on placard on an inflatable. Just make sure they are 3" high and good contrast, and you got your registration sticker.

 

[ravioli]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

Use velcro for your state registration sticker. Yank it off when you're done boating.

 

[fbpooler]

Re: CF NUMBERS AND pvc adhesive

The registrations numbers must be permantly attached as discussed by the referenced statement from the Coast Guard. As the can be painted or inked on to an inflatable, there is no excuse for not displaying them as required.

The state sticker is an issue with the state authorities. It is similar to carrying an insurance card in your glove compartment or some regulation proving proof of ownership of a vehical, whatever the state law is. The actual tag must be attached to the vehical though in an approved manner. The feds want the numbers in plain view in order to identify the boat, just as authorities insist a vehical tag is properly visible.

I would think it wise to contact someone in the state government to make sure you met requirements for display of the state sticker.