How Serious the CG?

[Surrymark]

USCG regs on documentation require boat and port names be 4" high. That can be a bit glommy for the port name, and I've seen documented boats with smaller lettering. Has anybody been hassled on this?
Also, they require the boat number to be fixed inside "in a way that removing the number would show." Right. As if none of us have ever stolen a police car and filed and filled and buffed the VIN number off, invisibly. I'm assuming they don't bother with this so decals would be fine. Anyone know otherwise?

[Amapola]

We've been boarded by the CG and they never asked about the "permanent Doc number"
They were more concerned about weapons and safety equipment. We're in compliance with the 4" port name.

[Hudson Force]

I'm in compliance, but I've never been boarded or questioned by the Coast Guard in my more than forty years of cruising. I did have a polite boarding by the DNR, but they had no interest in these issues.

[Target9000]

We've been boarded. Our lettering isn't quite 4" but no one said anything. I mean it would take a real stick in the mud to break out a ruler on the side of the hull and measure it out.

Just make sure its clear and readable and I think you'll be okay.

[lannen]

If you never make one of them mad, it should not be a problem. But if you cross one, and he can find nothing else wrong-

They, like everyone else, are short handed. I've been boarded and they have only wanted the paperwork, safety gear and MSD compliance.

[Kenomac]

We went with 3 inches because it looks better, but also have a 4" set on board if ever asked to change by CG. Unlikely, since the boat is in Spain.

[SoItGoes]

I'm pretty sure that Latitude 38 ran an article last year about how the Coasties or some other boat cops in the San Francisco area were being picky about some boats names and hailing ports in terms of font style, size, and location.

There is always someone with a quota to fill so it is easier to simply do it by the book.

[markpierce]

Why not simply comply on the exterior lettering? And no, decals won't do it for the interior documentation number if anyone checks.

[Hi Ho]

In our local area on the Great Lakes it has become an issue of size, color and lettering style, script lettering being a real problem especially for state registration numbers and yes citations are being issued.

[FSMike]

The object of the 4" is to make sure everything is easily legible. Anybody that has some complicated ornate script should expect problems with those that have to read their boat name in bouncy, foggy, rainy conditions.
At night.

[Ziggy]

Originally Posted by markpierce

Why not simply comply on the exterior lettering? And no, decals won't do it for the interior documentation number if anyone checks.

Because some boats lack an acre sized transom

[Inkwell]

I have been boarded seven times in the St. Simons Island, Georgia area. CG mostly check on safety equip and take names of crew/guests. Sometime, they will ask for ID. Yes, they ask if any weapons are on board too. In one week, I was stopped twice, but showing the first report ( pink copy) I was given a pass.

[thinwater]

Yes, I have been asked to show the vessel number, and no, a sticker would not have been acceptable. Actually, any surveyor would flunk that.

Should your boat ever be stolen it will be a handy thing. It can be in a fairly hidden spot. Photograph it before and if well done, it wouldn't be easy to remove; Generally it is stamped, molded, or in my case, buried in the lamination.Tell the insurance company it is marked with a sticker.

I've also been asked for:
* safety equip.
* document
* lock on y-valve
* fishing permit
* operators permit (daughter)
Just lucky I guess. It was pleasant since I had these things.

Frankly, complaining about 4" letters is whining. Just do it.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by thinwater

I've also been asked for:
* safety equip.
* document
* lock on y-valve
* fishing permit
* operators permit (daughter)
Just lucky I guess. It was pleasant since I had these things.

Frankly, complaining about 4" letters is whining. Just do it.

Funny thing about the lock on the y-valve: they don't really check to see whether it's locked open or closed. They just want it locked.

And yeah, +1 on the "just do it." They want those letters big enough to be seen from a rescue helicopter. Wanna guess why?

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by Hi Ho

In our local area on the Great Lakes it has become an issue of size, color and lettering style, script lettering being a real problem especially for state registration numbers and yes citations are being issued.

GO BLUE!

If the 'fuzz' hassles me I just call him a Buckeye as loudly as I can shout.