Registration Decal Requirements

Now that we are getting closer to the start of the 2014 boating season, it is important that during the commissioning of your boat that you check your registration that is attached to the side of your boat.  While on the water, I often see boaters that have improperly affixed their registration to the side of their boat.  With registration not displayed within your state's regulations, you are an instant target for water patrol officers.

All states are different with their registration requirements, although most requirements suggest:

1. The figures are to be read from left to right
2. They must be displayed on the forward half of each side of the bow of the boat.  
3. Numbers must be bold, block letters of good proportion.
4. Numbers must not be elss than three inches high.
5. They must be of contrasting color to the boat hull or background.
6. They must be as high above the waterline as practical.
7. No number other than the number assigned can be displayed on the forward half of the vessel.
8. Letters must be separated from numbers by spaces of hyphens.
9. Validation decals must be three inches to the right of the last letter displayed.
10. Boat Certificate of Registration must be carried on the vessel when being operated.