Marking an inflatable

[Gazza]

Have just treated myself to a new inflatable (Wetline 2.3m) with a soft-tail. Any thoughts as to the best way to mark the dinghy? Obviously, the usual method of putting the boat's name on the transom won't work - some sort of permanent marker on the tubes??

 

[VicS]

Try Polymarine for suitable paint. Its PVC isn't it. Sometimes you'll find the appropriate paint in a chandlery.

Even a solvent based black "magic maker" pen will last a few months. Although it will fade in sunlight (but you won't be leaving a PVC dinghy out in the sun will you) it can easily be re-done and it is difficult to remove completely after a while.

 

[jerryat]

VicS is right re the permanent marker pens. They are excellent and even in the Med/Caribbean sun will last for a couple of years before needing a touch-up.

We use a set of plastic stencils and the whole job only takes a few minutes, so we tend to 'refesh' the name every year. You can get different colours too!

Can recommend this method as we've been using it for many years successfully.

 

[snowleopard]

I also use permanent marker. It needs re-doing a couple of times a year.

p.s. You probably know the common advice to put " T/T SSR xxxxx" in an easily visible place and the boat's name as required by the insurers on the bottom where it won't be seen by the low-life when you're ashore for the evening. (not so easy if the bottom is black)

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

[ QUOTE ]
the usual method of putting the boat's name on the transom

[/ QUOTE ]

Why on the transom? I find that the best location is on the inside of the tubes, on both sides. That way it is still readable from a quay or seawall; useful when there are several tied to the same place, e.g. steps.

 

[TimfromMersea]

I used an 'Inflatable Boat Marking Kit' from Seamark Nunn. It came with a pot of what looked like Printers Ink with a little brush in it (rather like a car's touch up paint bottle). There were self adhesive stencils with it. It worked well and marked direct onto the tubes of my PVC inflatable. That was 4 years ago and it still looks as good as the day it was done. I don't think anything will ever get the ink off! The kit was £6 or £7 as I recall.