Dinghy Identification - Which paint is best?

[Latitude1]

Dinghy Identification - Which paint is best?


Looking for advice on which type of paint would be best for dinghy identification. As the dinghy will be folded now and then, I would like to have comments on previous experience on the subject to target the best preparation and lasting results. Thanks!

[deblen]

Day-Glo Buoy paint.


I don't know how long it will last,but you shouldn't have much trouble finding your dinghy-day or nite.
Should cut down on theft also. / Len


https://shop.hamiltonmarine.com/prod...on--47701.html

[Jason Flare]

By “dinghy identification” are you thinking of painting on the registration numbers/ letters or painting more of and other parts of the dinghy?

[hellosailor]

If you are looking to paint on the numbers, an elastomer-based paint (vinyl, rubber, etc.) will flex with the hull and stay intact longer. You'd need one that is compatible with the dingy material, and follow the cleaning/primer instructions to the letter.

It may be more reliable to buy or order brand-name exterior grade vinyl numbering, and add a good contact cement or dingy repair cement to bond those down.

[Tayana42]

I used artist’s acrylic paint for my dinghy’s registration numbers. Dinghy is hypalon. Has held up well for 3 years so far.

[Scaramanga F25]

Buy sticky vinyl numbers and place on lucite and hang from your inflatable.

[CarinaPDX]

On my last dinghy I bought a white plastic plate for that purpose, and affixed the standard vinyl lettering and registration decal. It worked fine, and only needed to be displayed with the outboard. I did have Hypalon markings from the dealer that indicated "T/T CARINA" so it was always identifiable. However I don't think that is the way to go as it is an advertisement for when you are ashore and your boat is available for theft.

With my new (PVC) dinghy I am gluing on a PVC strip that was professionally printed (also available in Hypalon). It is always there and shows my registration number, not boat name. Take a look: https://boatnumberplate.com/

Greg

[jkindredpdx]

Originally Posted by CarinaPDX

On my last dinghy I bought a white plastic plate for that purpose, and affixed the standard vinyl lettering and registration decal...

Greg

That's how the Oregon Marine Board suggested I display the registration characters and decal.

[Fore and Aft]

How about 3m reflective tape? I surveyed a cat last week that used the tape for a boot topping.
Cheers

[33trippindaisy]

how about one of the newer bedliner paints like Duraback. Flexible, rubbery enough to expand and retract with the heat and cold, and def a durable product that can be found at lowe's i believe.....

[Bill O]

Letter and number stencils filled in w/ a Sharpie. Very durable and easy to touch up when needed.

Bill O.

[jmschmidt]

Bill O is right on. Sharpie, stencils and touch up every year or so. And it cleans right off with acetone if you want to sell it. Mine has T/T, boat name and boat doc. number, no state registration. But it has to be used only as a support boat to the mother ship. Never been bothered by water cops or the USCG.

[33trippindaisy]

Bill O is right! Although I have used this/his exact method for many years, it does require the annual re-do, but all in all it does look better than peeling letters ever will, and in NC I have read somewhere (one rule book or another) that the placard method is not legal, although I will say I see a lot of them all of the time. Also never met anyone who was ticketed for a placard either. Since the OP ask about paint, and I am doing a 4 wheel drive truck with Duraback, just thought I'd throw that out there as I believe it would work quite well.....