Name placement - transom or side?

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PhilFishes

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Fisherman 236
Team Grady - I need your advice. I just purchased a Fisherman 236 and am wondering where the heck to display the name of the boat. The previous owner displayed the name on the side of the boat near the stern. I had originally been thinking about displaying the name on the transom instead, but I've realized that the transom is actually pretty small (see attached photo).

So ... your advice? Where would you recommend that I place the boat name? Transom, side @ stern, or something else? Thanks for your input!

PhilFishes
 
I'm in the process of doing the same. Never been a big fan of names on the side of boats. Plus, if you put it on the sides towards the stern, the GW logo stuff is already there. Might be a little crowded. My plan is to put the name on the port side of the transom. i figure I have about a 13"x24" space to work with. That eliminates big words. Have to keep it short and sweet. Longer names would fit better on the sides.
 
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Thanks for the quick reply. I hear you on the "crowded" issue given that the GW logo is already there on the side of the boat. Port side could work.

Traditionally, many boats display both the name of the boat and their home port. Do you know if it is mandatory to display the name of the home port? I'm based in CA.

Other thoughts, folks?
 
PhilFishes said:
Thanks for the quick reply. I hear you on the "crowded" issue given that the GW logo is already there on the side of the boat. Port side could work.

Traditionally, many boats display both the name of the boat and their home port. Do you know if it is mandatory to display the name of the home port? I'm based in CA.

Other thoughts, folks?
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The reason boats display name and hailing port is it a federal requirement for all federal documented vessels (all documented vessels must have a name). The USCG National Vessel Documentation Center handles such registation. Commercial documented vessels must have the name on the port and starboard bow, and the stern, and the hailing port must be displayed on the stern too. CFR § 67.123d.

Recreational vessels over 5 tons, ~27 feet, can be documented. Bank lenders will most likely require it so that they can record a lien on the boat. Recreational documented vessels need the name and the hailing port displayed on the stern.

I would check with the California DMV, but most likely you just have to register and display the registration numbers/stickers, and there is no requirement for a boat to have a "name".

So, to answer the question, I think you could put the name anywhere you aesthecally like it with or without a hailing port, or not at all - which is probably most common for smaller vessels.
 
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Very helpful, Eltajin - thank you. I like the name we've chosen, so I want to find a good spot for it on the boat. But hailing port could be unnecessary.
 
PhilFishes said:
Team Grady - I need your advice. I just purchased a Fisherman 236 and am wondering where the heck to display the name of the boat. The previous owner displayed the name on the side of the boat near the stern. I had originally been thinking about displaying the name on the transom instead, but I've realized that the transom is actually pretty small (see attached photo).

So ... your advice? Where would you recommend that I place the boat name? Transom, side @ stern, or something else? Thanks for your input!

PhilFishes
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I don't believe your photo ever got added to the post, possibly it was too large in size to add? Try it again so we can see what you're talking about, of which you can also go online and use photo editing sites or software to change the size of your pictures so that you can add them. I haven't "officially" named my boat yet or added any sort of display/stickers/decals to it, but if I were then I'd probably add it to the stern of the boat. One of my biggest "pet peeves" with boating is the guys that use the largest decals/fonts/stickers or whatever to put the name of their boat on the side. Then when they go to sell, the new owners either have a boat with a name that they either don't like or care about, they'll have a spot that is a different color on the side of their boat because the sun didn't fade it over the years or they'll have to add a new decal of similar size to cover it up. On the side, it's obviously a bit more visible than the stern, which is why I'd maybe start by adding something back there and if you're really happy with the look and/or you plan on keeping the boat for the next 10-15 years, then maybe try adding them to the sides at that point? I'm also not a huge fan of boats with names on the side that also have bottom paint and the standard Grady White logo/graphics/stripes and everything else on it. To me, and this is obviously just my opinion again, it all looks way too cluttered or in your face. I like something a bit more on the subtle side.
 
PhilFishes said:
Thanks for the quick reply. I hear you on the "crowded" issue given that the GW logo is already there on the side of the boat. Port side could work.

Traditionally, many boats display both the name of the boat and their home port. Do you know if it is mandatory to display the name of the home port? I'm based in CA.

Other thoughts, folks?
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if your boat is CG documented the port is required to be on the stern. " the hailing port should be marked with the vessel name together in a visible spot on the stern" if it is state registered then I believe it is the owners choice unless dictated by stare regulations. I am in Massachusetts and there are no port name requirements
 
Hi,

I think on the transom is best. It avoids ghosting on the sides, if/when you want to sell the boat. This is especially true on new boats and boats with colored hulls. It also reduces the possibility of damage to the graphic from docking and fishing tackle.
 
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Eltajin said:
I would check with the California DMV, but most likely you just have to register and display the registration numbers/stickers, and there is no requirement for a boat to have a "name".
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this is correct for CA. There is a boater ID card requirement in CA - phased in based on operator age the past few years. I think it was a 4 hr online course, a fee, and ID in the mail.
 
PointedRose said:
this is correct for CA. There is a boater ID card requirement in CA - phased in based on operator age the past few years. I think it was a 4 hr online course, a fee, and ID in the mail.
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Same with Washington state... I've been boating all of my life and thought most of the course was pretty laughable at best. There were a few topics like buoys, navigation and so forth that were a helpful reminder from before when I'd taken my boater safety course. That being said, I think just about anyone with a pulse could pass the state ID run course, and to me it seemed like a way to make more money off of boaters.
 
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I'm new to The Forum. Not sure if I have to start a new thread, but I'm considering where to place the name and port on my 275 Freedom w/a big ol' Yamaha 350. Your answers to PhilFishes post are very helpful. I'm not fond of side-hull lettering, but the transom is limited on the starboard side by the door and by even more limited space on the port side. Any suggestions?
 
Not a great pic, but if you zoom in, you can see how mine looks
 

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PhilFishes said:
Team Grady - I need your advice. I just purchased a Fisherman 236 and am wondering where the heck to display the name of the boat. The previous owner displayed the name on the side of the boat near the stern. I had originally been thinking about displaying the name on the transom instead, but I've realized that the transom is actually pretty small (see attached photo).

So ... your advice? Where would you recommend that I place the boat name? Transom, side @ stern, or something else? Thanks for your input!

PhilFishes
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I like it on the bow
But you can place the name wherever you like it because no one else really matters
Be safe have fun
 

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I've had it in both locations. Like the transom best if it works for you.
 
PhilFishes said:
Team Grady - I need your advice. I just purchased a Fisherman 236 and am wondering where the heck to display the name of the boat. The previous owner displayed the name on the side of the boat near the stern. I had originally been thinking about displaying the name on the transom instead, but I've realized that the transom is actually pretty small (see attached photo).

So ... your advice? Where would you recommend that I place the boat name? Transom, side @ stern, or something else? Thanks for your input!

PhilFishes
Click to expand...
I like the transom. Understated. It keeps the sides uncluttered. Our registration numbers are larger than in the US though.
Screenshot_20250324_121338_Photos.jpg
Screenshot_20250324_122714_Photos.jpg
 
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