Most people register their inflatable boats and don't think twice about placing generic peel-and-stick registration numbers on barge boards that they lace to their life lines. Just because a lot of people do it does not make it legal, and all it will take is one inopportune meeting with the wrong harbor master to be told the same. A quick telephone call to the Coast Guard and the local tax office responsible for your boat registration will verify this simple fact, so go ahead and dial your phone.

The truth of the matter is that the vast majority of regulatory agencies require that your registration numbers be permanently affixed to the bolt of your inflatable boat, no matter how difficult that might be. Numbers placed on detachable pieces are illegal because they could easily be transferred to an unregistered boat on a whim. They're also a lot easier for unscrupulous thieves to take.

Once you have been burned a time or two, you will soon come to realize that peel-and-stick vinyl numbers will peel more than they will stick to Hypalon and PVC. The most common solution is to get glue-on characters that are make primarily for use on inflatable boats. Most marine supply houses will carry them and applying them to your boat is much the same process as affixing a repair patch. They may be more common, but in reality they are quite a bit of work.

Another option is to use a stencil kit to paint the registration numbers on yourself. Some kits will be a two-step process, complete with paint and primer for added durability. While they may last longer, bear in mind that the sides of your boat don't receive the same level of torture as the bottom that is constantly in contact with the water. Is a primer coat worth the extra time and effort? That is a decision that you and only you can make.

Of course some may find the information contained herein to be over the top or too detailed and compulsive for their tastes. As far as I'm concerned, those people must have more money than they have sense. A carefully and properly maintained inflatable boat can often have double the life span of one that is consistently neglected.

If your inflatable boat is an investment like mine is, then you should have no problem whatsoever in investing the time to take care of it the way you should.

Warning: The information and photos of this Web site are provided only for informative intentions.