Replacing license number from the hull

ichorniy · #1 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008

I have got new old boat in States. I have sailed it to Toronto from Huron Ohio. I need to replace old Ohio registration number with new Ontario numbers. Have somebody do it in the past? Any advice on how to do it would be much appreciated. I would assume I will need to paint the old number and put the new one on the top. I don’t know if I want to paint over the gel coat.

Thanks
Igor

chucklesR · #2 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008

Acetone should take the stickers off, most registration numbers are stickers.
If what you are refering to is the US documentation number (starts with NO. and then numbers only, inside the boat, permanently affixed) you'll have a harder time removing them as they are supposed to affixed so that remove is obvious).
Acetone is available at most hardware chain stores.
If you can't get acetone use a razor and scape them off carefully. Painting over them will be ugly and not seaman like.

lbdavis · #3 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008

Applying heat will also help to take off vinyl stickers. But you must be very careful not to apply too much heat to the gelcoat.

How's that for scientific?

sailaway21 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008

Use the blow dryer or heat gun first, gently, with a delicate touch with the razor blade. Just get the body of the stickers off and don't get greedy with the razor blade because you're going to come back right afterwards with the acetone to clean up the gooey stuff. If your reverse the order of heat and acetone you may not even need to apply new numbers.

captainrizzo · #5 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008

I spoke with a vinyl lettering company at the Strictly Sail show in Chicago this year about removing the vinly lettering on my boat. I was told to use easy-off oven cleaner. Spray it on and wait 15 minutes and they will wipe right off. I haven't done this yet. Has anyone else heard of this process? I am a little skeptical...

ichorniy · #6 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008

I think my numbers are painted.

Faster · #7 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008

If your numbers are painted there are fiberglass-freindly paint removers available to help with that. I'd recommend trying them over sanding the old ones off, as sanding mistakes can be more difficult to fix. I certainly wouldn't try to paint over and repaint. I used this stuff:

Back To Nature Products

to remove full length hull stripes last year.. Still a bit of work, but it won't harm the underlying gel coat, no fumes and won't dissolve your skin or kill any marine life.

Once the numbers are off you may want to gently wet sand any remaining traces away with 400-600 grit wet paper, and I'd recommend using vinyl decals as replacements. You can get a variety of fonts/colours/styles that will comply with the requirements. Then polish/wax the affected area to bring it all back.

Skipaway · #8 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008

I found those plastic razor blades (available at WestMarine) were effective on the softened adhesive, and gave extra peace of mind. The instructions that came with my new vinyl letters said do a final cleaning with alcohol. - Charlie

primerate84 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008

The BoatUS website has a tab for vinyl numbering and lettering that is reasonably priced and pretty easy to apply. Shipping is fast, also.

sailaway21 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008

I usually get hammered for requesting that people search the archives before starting a new thread but I've mostly given up on that futility.

In any event, here's last years discussion of the matter at hand including even the EZ-Off technique. I doubt much has changed in the interim.

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...d-letters.html

Evidence of my acquiescence to sailnet reality is offered by the fact that I posted before I searched myself. I'm so ashamed of myself....