Boat Number Plate for inflatables

[zipper]

Not too many dinghy people around this forum but we just bought a new 2019 Zodiac cadet 330 Al RIB dinghy from Defender. We need to put the registration numbers assigning it as a tender to our sailboat. On our last dinghy, we tried the black vinyl block 3" high lettering you can find at any hardware store. They started peeling off within hours. The registration sticker did not fare much better. We ended up tracing the numbers/letters with a Sharpie and filling them in yearly. We did not like the look or lack of permanancy.



I found this on-line and decided to order a set for the Zodiac. https://boatnumberplate.com/ Ordered a set compatible with our Hypalon material and put them on last night. They come with a spot to put the registration sticker so it will not peel off. Liking the look a lot better than our older dinghy. I actually read the instructions for this install.



Layed out the placement, taped off the area and started sanding.







After a light sanding I cleaned with acetone and laid down the adhesive per the instructions.

 

[tim h]

Whatcha doin with the old dinghy ?

 

[zipper]

Once I get the Sharpie off, we will be selling locally. West Marine SB-275 wood floor. It goes with a 2006 4hp Mercury, replaced the carb, non ethynol fuel only. Starts first pull. The 4hp is not enough to get on plane.

 

[Quad]

Not too many dinghy people around this forum but we just bought a new 2019 Zodiac cadet 330 Al RIB dinghy from Defender. We need to put the registration numbers assigning it as a tender to our sailboat. On our last dinghy, we tried the black vinyl block 3" high lettering you can find at any hardware store. They started peeling off within hours. The registration sticker did not fare much better. We ended up tracing the numbers/letters with a Sharpie and filling them in yearly. We did not like the look or lack of permanancy.

View attachment 127571

I found this on-line and decided to order a set for the Zodiac. https://boatnumberplate.com/ Ordered a set compatible with our Hypalon material and put them on last night. They come with a spot to put the registration sticker so it will not peel off. Liking the look a lot better than our older dinghy. I actually read the instructions for this install.

View attachment 127575

Layed out the placement, taped off the area and started sanding.

View attachment 127572

View attachment 127573

View attachment 127574

After a light sanding I cleaned with acetone and laid down the adhesive per the instructions.

View attachment 127576

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View attachment 127578

@zipper How has the number plate held up? We just got a dinghy from Coastal Inflatables in Hampton, NH and while picking it up, I saw one of them behind the owner's desk so i asked about it. His response was that they're not great and the glue deteriorates and he advised just stenciling the numbers in.

Personally, I think stenciling looks awful, and would seriously prefer the number plate.

 

[Quad]

Also - what type of engine are you using on the 330? I've got a Tohatsu 9.9HP and getting on plane is... interesting. I have 100lbs of sand in the bow locker and still have to sit dead-center to get on plane. Haven't been able to plane with 2 people yet, though I'm wondering if my gas is on the edge of being too old.

 

[zipper]

Love the Boat number plate. I did not like the stencilled on numbers either, they fade. Ours is hypalon and I used Whitewater 1-Part Shore Adhesive as adhesive. It works/holds really well for a 1 part formula and if you need to remove it you will not mar the material.
The 330 cadet Al. rib is 3.3meters/11' long
As far as the motor we have a 15hp Merc. on the back with some get up and go.
What size dinghy did you buy. We never planed with our WestMarine 10'er with inflatable bottom and 4hp Merc.

I dealt directly with the maker online.

https://boatnumberplate.com/

 

[Quad]

Love the Boat number plate. I did not like the stencilled on numbers either, they fade. Ours is hypalon and I used Whitewater 1-Part Shore Adhesive as adhesive. It works/holds really well for a 1 part formula and if you need to remove it you will not mar the material.
The 330 cadet rib is 3.3meters/11' long
As far as the motor we have a 15hp Merc. on the back with some get up and go.
What size dinghy did you buy. We never planed with our WestMarine 10'er with inflatable bottom and 6hp Merc.

View attachment 159588

I dealt directly with the maker online.

https://boatnumberplate.com/

Thanks for the perspective.

We got the Coastal Inflatables 10' aluminum hulled boat, it's a proper 300cm; I initially had my eyes on a 330 Cadet like yours, but couldn't get my hands on one. I was able to pop it on plane but it took some work. I am wondering if my Tohatsu 9.9HP EFI self-regulates during its break-in period and if that's limiting power.

 

[zipper]

Not sure about the Tohatsu, but there was a break in period of time and throttle position that we had to follow. The video above is during break in and was only at half throttle. It does help to have live weight up front because the bow will rise and I too need to sit more forward when alone until I am on plane. You may be cavitating or possibly need a planing fin.

 

[Quad]

Just because pictures are typically obligatory:

 

[Quad]

So, which background color should I go with: Blue, Gray, or White? I'm leaning towards Blue as it would match the accent color of the PVC

 

[zipper]

Nice dinghy. At what trim angle/setting do you have your OB set at? This is mine and if I adjusted trim to the last hole to the right, the bow would stay down, possibly being a better ride. You will know if it is too much if the bow plows. We have it set there because 90% of use is with 2 aboard.
You should be able to get on plane with no problem with that combination.

 

[Quad]

I've tried the 3 middle options, but I'll have to see where it's at currently later this afternoon. It's definitely in one of the higher positions though, as that seemed most level.

 

[zipper]

trimming motor without hydraulic trim

I have an 1979 18 ft Starcraft Supersport that I have rebuilt from scratch. It has a 115 Merc without power trim. How do you know what hole to place the pin in to properly trim? Right now the motor is trimmed up and held by a transom saver for towing. The boat would cavitate when I tried...

forums.iboats.com

 

[Quad]

Kiddo and I went out for a ride tonight and with a little weight-shifting we got up on plane fairly easily. I had my trim set at the photographed setting for the 2nd leg and one hole higher in the first leg. I think planing might’ve been easier on the higher position; I’ll have to do some more experimenting.

 

[Quad]

Another day of experimenting:
Today I drained my fuel tank into my car’s tank when I realized the fuel had come from a gas can in my garage that had 4+ month old 93 octane fuel. Now that old gas is the car’s problem, I filled the tank with new 87 octane gas, as recommended by the manual.

Today the kid stayed home so it was just me and 100lbs of sand in the bow locker. Despite 3’+ waves, I was getting on plane more quickly and hit a top speed of 19mph. I’m fairly certain I can do better on a flat day. Some people may not like getting bounced around, but personally, I enjoy a good fight with Mother Nature.

 

[Quad]

So, some more observations.

With me and the kid on board, we can get on plane. It takes some time, but eventually the boat/motor makes it over the hump and once there, it rides great. With the admiral on board too, it gets really close but never makes it. Once on plane, I can cruise at 16mph on half throttle all day long.

I think that 9" pitch on the stock prop may be too much. I can get to about 1/2 or 2/3 throttle and from there on out, the tone of the engine doesn't change. The tachometer that I ordered hasn't arrived yet, but if I had to guess, the engine is only at around 3000 RPM vs the ideal of 5000-6000. I'm thinking of getting a 7" pitch prop and am stuck on the fence between a 3 blade and 4 blade prop, but leaning toward the 4 blade. Once I've got a feel for the RPMs at top speed, I'll be able to determine if 7" is the sweet spot or if I need to go lower.

 

[Quad]

Just because I've been documenting this - I bought a tachometer/hour meter to keep track of maintenance and engine stats. I found that when it was just me + 100lbs sand, the motor would top out at 5200RPM, which is outside the WOT peak of 5500-6000RPM. Based on that, I bought an 8" pitch prop and with the same load got to 5700RPM, which is ideal. Boat pops on plane faster now. I had 2 of my kid's 5th grade friends out on it this weekend and we were probably at 600-650lbs of people in the boat and almost planed. Honestly, I was pretty happy with that.

 

[Quad]

it's been 8 months, but I finally managed to get my numbers glued on; now I won't get harassed by the Game Warden about my registration this year

 

[zipper]

Very nice.

 

[tim h]

I'm thinking about getting a dinghy for my boating trips... Staying in Key West for a week in a slip is north of $1500

Maybe this one...

https://www.boatstogo.com/inflatable-boats-sd330.asp

Any thoughts from ya'll that own one ??
@zipper @Quad