Best lettering method for tender

[Keith-i]

Does anyone have any experience or recommendations for the most durable method of marking a PVC tender with boat name etc. I would like to apply decals of some sort to the underside of our tender so that when it is hooked up on the bathing platform we can be identified even though the tender obsures the boat name on the transom. Is there a long lasting paint or what type of adhesive lettering would be best. TIA

 

[Graham376]

Does anyone have any experience or recommendations for the most durable method of marking a PVC tender with boat name etc. I would like to apply decals of some sort to the underside of our tender so that when it is hooked up on the bathing platform we can be identified even though the tender obsures the boat name on the transom. Is there a long lasting paint or what type of adhesive lettering would be best. TIA

I used pvc paint from Polymarine but can be removed, as can others, with acetone.

 

[davidpbo]

I just use ordinary paint. It flakes it looks tatty just what I want want. Been did repaint it last year after 18yrs. Someone once commented "Why do you bother to lock your tender?" Answer "So they nick yours"

 

[pvb]

Is there a long lasting paint or what type of adhesive lettering would be best. TIA

As Graham376 suggested, proper PVC paint would be ideal. For a neat result, get a self-adhesive stencil made, then just paint over it. See Boat Stencils | Funky Monkey

An alternative would be to use self-adhesive lettering specifically designed for inflatables. Check out RIB Tube Lettering | Funky Monkey for details. I don't know whether self-adhesive would be more permanent than paint - perhaps as the supplier.

I've only suggested the Funkymonkey website as it has lots of info, other suppliers are available!

 

[Stooriefit]

I used Funky Monkey stencils and PVC paint for mine. Very happy with end result.

 

[Oily Rag]

You ask about "durable". The drips of Hammerite left on mine by accident three years ago are still there. And there was no surface preparation either! Just carelessness.

 

[Keith-i]

Thanks for the input I will look into paint and stencils. I agree that splashes of paint always stick better to their new host than the item you’re actually painting.

 

[Bran]

Finley monkey do some stick on vinyl for inflatables, really good so far. Several years and several deflated and inflated with no issues.

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

I used Funky Monkey stencils and PVC paint for mine. Very happy with end result.

Finley monkey do some stick on vinyl for inflatables, really good so far. Several years and several deflated and inflated with no issues.

Assuming @Bran meant Funky Monkey, I'll add a third vote. I've had four boat's worth from him, and the ones for the inflatable were as perfect as the rest.

 

[johnalison]

If you just want to mark the boat, I just use an ‘indelible’ marker pen. It doesn’t flake off but wears off eventually. It is not totally secure as it can be removed with white spirit, but it does well enough for me.

 

[Bran]

Assuming @Bran meant Funky Monkey, I'll add a third vote. I've had four boat's worth from him, and the ones for the inflatable were as perfect as the rest.
Sorry, yes I did mean Funky Monkey