Bow Number Placement

[Tim CParticipant]

Recommended location for bow numbers:

1) Forward digit: measure back from the bow (the pointy bit) 19 inches and draw a vertical line. Place the forward edge of the first number there and 2 inches down from the sheer line.

2) The digits are 12 inches tall and 8 inches wide. So, adjust measurements by width (plus spacing, as appropriate) if measuring to the aft edge of the digit.

3) Aft digit: measure 2 inches aft from the forward number and attach the second number 2 inches down from the sheer line.

4) Tricks:

• • • Use (longish) strips of 3-M blue or Frog green masking tape (the not overly sticky painter’s tape) on the hull — one strip along the top, and one down the forward edge — to mark where the numbers go and help you align the numbers when placing them on the hull. You may need to reposition these tape guides a few times to get the top strip straight and parallel to the shearline, and the forward edge tape straight and perpendicular to the shearline.
    • Use a plastic squeegee to help smooth each number on the hull; working from the center, outward as much as possible in order to purge the air out from under the adhesive.
    • After getting the number on the hull and finding there are still air bubbles trapped under the adhesive, use a sharp pin to poke a hole in any remaining bubbles; this will help you squeeze out the air and get the number fully adhered to the hull.

Other tricks from the fleet? Add them in the comments below.

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