232 owner - where did you put your registration numbers?

[capnkevin]

Ok I am undecided about where to put my registration numbers on my 2005 232 open bow. Above or below the rub rail. Ordered a set of red numbers to put above the rub rail, but am not sure i like it. Originally didn't want to put the numbers on the red but now I am kind of leaning towards ordering a set of white numbers to put under the rub rail.

If any of you have pictures of your registration numbers it would be greatly appreciated.

[BigSioux232]

Mine are below the rub rail on the accent stripe.  Black stripe-white reg number.  Make sure to check the guidelines from your home state if you are an inland boater and the coast guard if you are sea bound.  

South Dakota is very picky about the font and coloring, but they do not specify above or below the rail.  There are only 2 or 3 block style fonts, italicized is not allowed and neither is multicolor/outlined numbers.  

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[4LakeBums]

They have to be positioned below the rub rail per vessel safety checks.  They need to be spaced 3 inches apart and they should stand out...I am actually having my installed next Friday as they just came in yesterday.

When we did the Chicago Loop Cruise anybody that had the numbers displayed above the rub rail would fail the vessel safety checks...

[DaleM]

That's the first time I have ever heard that.  I have always had mine above the rub rail and never had a problem.

[Dave M]

My numbers is above the rub rail and they didn't say anything about it at the loop cruise.

[Smithman]

My numbers are below the rubrail on my 232.  White on blue background looks fine.  I was debating about above or below as well.  Glad I went below

[kcsteve]

Mine are above the rub rail. BTW I've been stopped and checked in Ks, Mo, Ok and TX. ( must be the yellow ) Nobody ever said anything about the location of the numbers being below or above rub rail. In Mo they did tell me to redo the spacing

[merwin10]

I don't know about other states but up here the numbers have to be
 displayed as follows:

• Number must be painted, decaled or otherwise attached on the forward half
of each side of the vessel, placed to be clearly visible.
• Number must read from left to right on both sides of the vessel.
• Number must be in bold, BLOCK letters, at least 3-inches high.
• Number’s color must contrast with its background.
• Letters must be separated from the numbers by 2-inch spaces or hyphens:
“MS 3717 ZW” or “MS-3717-ZW”.
• No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.
• The validation decal should be placed in line with and within 6-inches
following the registration number on the port (left) side of the vessel.

Mike -  

[scotsman_25]

your water regulations are a lot more detailed and strict compared to here on our biggest lake or loch as we call them here as long as you display the year tag and numbers on each side it doesnt matter where on the boat you place them or how they are even spaced so long as they can be seen, mine on previous boats was very much a just slap them on at the dock side and get out there for fun quick as can

[slawson]

Most states have detailed instructions as to how and where to put the registration numbers.  I know Illinois is pretty close to what Mike posted.  I believe IL also asks that you use a 'block' type letter, but I see many that use 'script' letters and no one seems to hassle them about that.  I suspect as long as it's legible and the right size (I bought mine from a guy on e-bay...when I got them they were perfectly spaced out and very easy to install).  I suspect if you get stopped, there's more going on than worrying about your numbers   :)

Steve L.

[capnkevin]

You would be surprised what DNR might pull you over for. We have been randomly stopped before. Just the 2 of us in the boat idling thru a no wake section.

[Pick]

I put mine below the rub rail on my '95 Captiva 190.  I don't think there is encough room on top.  I got mine here:

http://www.signspecialist.com/lettering ... mbers.html

Very happy with them.