GL: Dinghy Numbers

[Ken Bloomfield]

I guess that the definition of  "or permanently attached" is debatable.  For 
that matter the section reads:

a) Each number required by Sec. 173.15 must:
    (1) Be painted on or permanently attached to each side of the forward 
half of the vessel ...........

So I guess that there are a lot of technically non-conforming boats that 
have their numbers attached to the boat in the form of peel and stick vinyl 
numbers right on the hull, which is not "paint".  Normally, for legal 
purposes, the definition of whether or not something is permanently attached 
to something else is that the permanently attached thing will require a tool 
to remove it, whereas the temporary thing can be removed without the need 
for a tool.

I believe that if the number board is attached to the hull in a manner that 
a tool would be required to get it off, you will find no quarrel from the 
Coast Guard.  This also has been my experience.  On my "Seaworthy" hypalon 
dinghy, it has some flaps on each side (top) that take the grab ropes. 
These have ferrules, and I have used a bolt, nut and washers to attach my 
plates with metal tabs to these ferrules.  You need tools to remove this 
plate, and I believe that this conforms.

All the best,
Ken Bloomfield


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John & Judy Gill" <twojscom at quadnet.net>
To: "Ken Bloomfield" <khtb at bellsouth.net>
Cc: "Ken Tucknott" <katuck214 at mchsi.com>; "Great Loop" 
<great-loop at lists.samurai.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 2:11 PM
Subject: Re: GL: Dinghy Numbers


> Unfortunately the use of sign boards on dinghy is no longer  acceptable to 
> the Coast Guard.  Check with your dinghy manufacturer  for the type of 
> paint that will adhere to your boat.  The  requirements state that the 
> state registration numbers must be  permanently attached according to 
> (33CFR173.27) of the Federal Code  of Regulations.
>
> John Gill
>
> =======================================