HIN placard attachment?

[CJ]

What are some methods for attaching a hull identification number tag to a wooden transom which would deter tampering? The thought of simply screwing a plate in place doesn't sound prudent to me.

I'm sure there's no fool-proof method which would prevent removal or destruction, I'd just like to hear what others have done to provide the most secure attachment possible.

Thanks,
CJ

[Alan Peck]

I used epoxy to fasten my number. It sure doesn't feel like it is going to come off without a struggle. I also put another HIN number on a "hidden" location so that the boat could be identified once I told someone where to look.

I had a local sign shop make the plates out of engraved plastic. Looks neat and clean. With a white background it is not at all intrusive looking.

You probably already know this, but the following Coast Guard regulations apply:

The letters and numbers must be at least 1/4" high

The primary HIN must be afixed to the starboard side of the transom within two inches of the top of the transom.

The secondary HIN must be affixed in an unexposed location inside the boat or beneath a fitting or item of hardware.

The numbers can be carved, burned, stamped, molded, bonded or otherwise permanently affixed so that alteration, removal or replacement would be obvious. If the HINs are on separte plates the plates must be fastend in such a way that their removal would cause some scarring of or damage to the surrounding hull area. For example, if you use a separate plate, use wood screws and epoxy to affix to the hull.

[Todd D]

If it is a metal plate, what I would do is to use the router (or chisels) to create a recess so that the surface of the plate is flush with the transom surface. Then I would silver solder long enough studs to penetrate the hull onto the back of the plate, through drill for the studs and put nuts on the inside to hold the plate on. Drill counter sinks inside so the nuts would be below the surface of the wood, cut the studs off flush and then epoxy a piece of wood over the attachment. I would also bed the plate in 5200. No one will be able to get it off without making a BIG mess.

[SeaB]

Not completely foolproof, but could stamp numbers into metal plate and through rivet to the hull.

[Howard Sharp]

In New York state the inspector hammers the number into the wood with a set of metal letter punches. I was away at work when he came and he found a nice unobtrusive bit of end grain.

[SMARTINSEN]

I just got my HIN from the state of CT. The inspector told me that it was not necessary to provide the second number in a hidden location, but that it was o.k to do so if I wanted. Mine is simply a decal, and a coat of varnish over it would deter anyone from stealing it.

[AstoriaDave]

Rules must vary, I suppose. I would definitely put one in a hidden place. My Bartender has two.

In my case, I used a stencil kit to form outlines and Dremeled the numerals and letters. The HIN on the "transom" (boats with two pointy ends and inboard-powered don't have transoms, I believe) is unobtrusive from a distance but easy to spot from up close. This is an improved photo. With diffuse lighting, the HIN (half inch letters) does not stand out; strong side lighting in this posed photo brings out the characters: http://www.pbase.com/image/118659507

[Canoeyawl]

I wonder if you couldn't use a chip like the one in my dogs ear?
epoxied into a drilled hole and painted over...

[Richard Jones]

My inspector was nice enough to stamp my HIN just below the waterline. No ugly blemish on that beautiful mahogany. Plus, I put another in a hidden spot onboard.

[CJ]

Thanks everyone for the tips and photos. I think I'll have a stainless tag made up, notch out a spot on the transom and rivet and epoxy it in place, then use the dremel and do some engraving in a couple other spots.

CJ