Sail Numbers

[WillS]

We recently purchased a larger sail boat and the mainsail has no number. We don''t plan to race, but are considering adding a number for convenience.
What is the normally accepted convention? Is it the hull #? the length overall? The hull ID is XFR34035M85L. We are deducing that the hull is #35. She is a 1985 Seidelmann 34ft mast head rig. Is this a correct deduction. We would appreciate some guidance.

[BigZ]

You are correct in assuming that the hull number is also the number that should appear on the sail. Additionally, you might want to add the original Seidelmann logo for your model. A sailmaker would have access to the logo.

Regards,
Chet

[paulk]

BigZ''s statement as to hull and sail numbers may apply to one-designs, but not necessarily cruisers like yours. My hull number - from a major manufacturer - includes about 10 digits, and would be impractical on a sail, either to read (for safety) or for speed (extra weight and windage, up high). I believe US Sailing assigns sail numbers.

[BigZ]

To clarify:

With a hull number XFR34035M85...

XFR signifies the manufacturer,

34 indicates the model,

035 indicates the hull number of this model (in this case the 35th boat of this model)

M85... indicates the year and month the boat was built.

Only the 35 would appear on the sail.

Regards,

Chet

[WillS]

Thanks for the input Chet and Paul.
#35 is confirmed.

Will

[sailtrkr]

#35 is the correct way to go