NOT to be redundant, but I documented my
Catalina 34 and used West
Marine 3" letters glued in the
bilge (then covered with epoxy) where they are easily seen by just lifting the
Bilge board. On some boats the No. is drilled into a permanent
member.
Once that is done, the state will still require you to register the
boat with the state so they can get the revenue (tax) annually. They then give you a state decal that needs to be displayed on the external
hull or where it is clearly visible by a tax man and police. If you move the
boat to another state, you have to register it there within so many days (usually 60 days or less) If you are transiting/cruising through another state, don't sit at
anchor or in a marina long or the authorities will tell you to register there also. "Everyone/State wants a piece of the action!
Enjoy the boat!