Vessel Name Decal Size

S

StellaBlue

New member
Hello Good people. Recently purchased a 2019 Venture 26 for use in the San Juan Islands.. I'm away in California and have not even seen the boat in person to date! Therefore I'm wondering about the appropriate size for the vessel name decals to be placed below the two side windows. How tall can the lettering be without it appearing too crowded? I am considering ordering the decals through Boat USA. Any experience with the quality of their decals? Any recommendations as to the best material type for multiple years of life?

I'm very excited to join all of you in this community and look forward to meeting many of you - in person - in the future! :)
 
StellaBlue":2fl35hcg said:
... Therefore I'm wondering about the appropriate size for the vessel name decals to be placed below the two side windows. How tall can the lettering be without it appearing too crowded? I am considering ordering the decals through Boat USA. Any experience with the quality of their decals? Any recommendations as to the best material type for multiple years of life? ...
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It'll depend on the name of the boat and the font you decide to use.

I used https://doityourselflettering.com/ a number of times and have been very satisfied with the results.

On my 22 cruiser the side name is 7.25" x 28". On the 22 the flat part of the cabin side below the window is about 10" high.

P7280026_1_sm.sized.jpg
 
Stellablue,
I purchased my letters from https://doityourselflettering.com. On my 26, the height of the letters are 6 1/2" and the length is 32". They also did my registration numbers. I have used them for several of my boats and they are great. If you can't figure out what you want, call and they will have an advisor help you. If you mess anything up while installing, they replace it free, no shipping or questions asked.
 
Stella, the 2 examples already posted are good ones. You should consider the font style and size. The purpose of the name is to be recognized, so it's better if it is bigger and easily readable from a distance. I used a font that had slightly ronded corners. Less likely to peel up at the points.

Sorry I can't post the link here, but if you go to my album, the top left corner has a sub-album called "Naming Our C-Dory" and you can see a step by step process.

Enjoy the new to you 26, AND plan on coming out to the Friday Harbor C-Brat Get Together in May. There is a current thread addressing that evet running now. We look forward to meeting you.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
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As those above have noted one reason to have the name is so that the vessel is recognized. I have 8" letters on the side of the current 25. As I recollect our last 22 had about 6.5" letters. The letters are "shadowed in gold" as the C Dory emblem is on this boat. I also had the local vinyl shop do the registration letters and numbers. I suggest that you have the heaviest premium vinyl used--it will look better for a long time. Also consider if you want any graphics, and how long the different fonts are going to be. You want a readable font.
 
We used 8 inches on the cabin side panels we put in contrasting shadow, and reflective lettering, a lot of fun to design and easy to install, we have used BoatUS lettering in the past, can't remember which on line one we used for Sierra, there are many choices, I like 3M brand vinyl. We did the registration and also did the home port on the stern quarters in case we decide to document the boat with the Coast Guard like we did with our last 2 boats.
 
I used a place called BoatLetteringToYou.com. Lots of DIY options (plus T-shirts, coffee mugs, etc.) and a video on how to apply.

I used a matching font on the transom, plus plain font black for the home port. Also a matching font for the State hull ID numbers. Pictures are in my photo album.

I have a CD 16, so my letter size probably would not apply. Be careful of fancy fonts and multiple colors. Looks great in the marina. Might not be what you want when somebody is searching for you with binoculars.

Most difficult part was thinking "If I was a limpet, what font would I use?"

Mark
 
Micahbigsur@msn.com":1vyr7c34 said:
We used 8 inches on the cabin side panels we put in contrasting shadow, and reflective lettering, a lot of fun to design and easy to install, we have used BoatUS lettering in the past, can't remember which on line one we used for Sierra, there are many choices, I like 3M brand vinyl. We did the registration and also did the home port on the stern quarters in case we decide to document the boat with the Coast Guard like we did with our last 2 boats.
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When I did "SleepyC" I tried to find reflective lettering. I think that is a great idea. Where did you find it?

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
hardee":n2eqxyuj said:
...
When I did "SleepyC" I tried to find reflective lettering. I think that is a great idea. Where did you find it?

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Click to expand...

DIY Lettering has "Premium Reflective Vinyl" that is "engineering-grade, retro-reflective 5mil cast vinyl [that] meets or exceeds Federal Specifications L-S 300C (Reflectivity 1) and ASTM-D-4956-99."

I have not seen a sample of this product though.
 
The large block letter size is excellent for recognition from a distance. We used DIYLettering.com and are happy with their product. You can provide a design for them or they can provide the lettering for you. They offer a variety of colors, letter styles other features. Check out their website.
 
Somewhat related question, so hopefully it fits in this thread...

What's the best way to remove old lettering?

I've definitely got some re-lettering and re-naming to do!

Thanks
 
IN my Album "Naming Our C-Dory" I have the whole removal and applying the new name documented here:

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_ ... _album.php

Choose a font that easily readable from a distance, and with good contrast.

9_Sept_Seq_2019_Cal.sized.jpg

Shading and outlining look great up close but from farther away, become fuzzy edges. I choose a font with slightly rounded corner tips -- they tend to be less likely to curl at the corners.

To answer your question about removal. Some heat helps and a sharp edged plastic scraper. I would do a very good, firm, cut and buff over the area where the old name was or it may be able to be lightly seen even after the vinyl is removed.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

January_2010_254.thumb.jpg
 
I used boat-us for the name and cf number. They gave good service and the lettering has lasted for 15 years. It's the 3rd boat for which I have used their service, so I must have been happy.

Remember to use a smaller size for the hailing port.

Boris
 
Be sure and get the premium vinyl. There are several grades. The best will last years as is Boris's experience.

I also use a heat gun and plastic scraper, go slowly. Zep citrus cleaner will also help, Mary Kat On and Off, 3M decal remover etc. Lots of products. You can take the glue off with "Goof Off".

After removing the old letters, you will find that there is a ghost of the old name, where the gel coat was protected from elements. Hit it with a good rubbing and then polishing compound. I wax before applying the new decal. The ghost lettering will fade with time.
 
Just called DIY Lettering to see if they would send me a tiny color sample of the red, dk red, and burgundy. NOPE, no can do. Wondering if anybody has tried it to match the C-Dory Cabernet color, and especially if you have tried the reflective version. I might consider redoing SleepyC with reflective if the color is close.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

January_2010_346.thumb.jpg
 
Warm welcome, StellaBlue!

Unlike most, ours has always been a Southern boat, stored outside in the UV by prior owner, and with a LOT of what Thataway refers to as 'ghosting' of the prior name from no UV damage under the old decal but lots surrounding it.

When we decided to replace the old lettering, we first removed the old vinyl and chose a new 'fatter' premium and reflective font from BoatUS (discount for members). We have been very pleased.

We know you're anxious, but you might consider waiting until you see what's there and what would cover it up better.

Agree choose THE BEST QUALITY THE FIRST TIME.

Best,
John
 
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