Association Forum

Name Decal

Printed from: Association Forum
Topic URL: http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17379
Printed on: 07/18/2025

Topic:

Topic author: barleyrooty
Subject: Name Decal
Posted on: 04/07/2008 16:51:16
Message:

Had "Lulu" for a year now but haven't put her name on her yet. Any recommendations? I see a lot of places online that sell custom "stickers". Any good/bad experiences with these.

How big can I make the name? (Boat is 90 miles away and I'd like to order it.)

Thanks,
Phil

Replies:

Reply author: piseas
Replied on: 04/07/2008 17:27:56
Message:

Phil, i thought 6 or 7" was big enough but after seeing what others in this forum have done, I am going with 8 or 9". I did consider Boat US but think they are kind of limited, font wise. I have checked out Fast Signs. They have offices all over and have great rates-better than Boat US. I just cant get there before 6pm and Saturdays are tough too cuz I am sailing! HE HE.
Good luck.
Steve A

Reply author: delliottg
Replied on: 04/07/2008 17:35:45
Message:

We went with 9" letters from a local sign shop. They make the vinyl decals pretty easy to apply as long as you follow the directions. I think the shop was called "Fast Signs", not sure if they're in your area or not.

We were originally going to go with 12" letters, but the shop had samples up on the wall, and standing on the other side of the room from them, I liked the size of the 9" letters better. Now that it's on the side of the boat, I'm glad I did. 12" would have been too big. However, I've seen three foot high letters too, whatever floats your boat...

We played around with fonts in MS Word till we found one we both liked, and then just told the shop which font, & how to spell the words.

Reply author: Nautiduck
Replied on: 04/07/2008 18:43:24
Message:

I retract my previous post.

We got our lettering from Overton's online.

They are 6" high, color King Blue and font Splash.

Reply author: dmpilc
Replied on: 04/07/2008 19:22:06
Message:

I used a local Fast Signs shop to do our C-25 as well as to re-letter our C-22 after her make-over. Very satisfied with the results, and it's easy to apply.

Reply author: dlucier
Replied on: 04/08/2008 05:07:45
Message:

FastSigns for me too.

Reply author: OLarryR
Replied on: 04/08/2008 05:48:27
Message:

I used Boat US on-line. Then discovered that they made them right at their Headquarters in my neighborhood - adjacent to the Boat US/West Marine Store. The staff was very helpful. The on-line tool does not make it clear that if you are ordering 2 names (for both sides of the hull), that the second name is at a signficant discount. It does not become clear as to the full cost until you work your way thru the processing.

Then when I smudged one of the letters on my dock, I was able to stop by the store and pick up a 6"-12" piece of same color material. they just looked up my past order to ensure right matl and then cut me a piece and gave it to me for free.

The lettering was believe in 8" font. But because of the font I chose, they called me before they actually made up the order to inform me that the font I chose had tails on the capitals that extended the lettring size quite a bit. They then worked with me to get the right sizing - length and width. For me it was perfect sizing.

The key to doing this right is not to pick too small a font size. Many order it undersized. Then when out sailing, the font may not be large enough to read from a distance. I already had one expereince where I know the lettering is right-sized. I sailed down toward an area where a co-worker also sails and he was out crewing on another boat. he was never all that close to me and I did not know he was sailing that day but he told me the next day he saw me because he could read my name from a good distance away.

Reply author: SCnewbie
Replied on: 04/08/2008 13:17:27
Message:

I went with Cap'n John's boat lettering and was fine with it. I previously used boat US. I think they were a bit more expensive and not as many styles to choose from but I was very pleased with what I got. I went with 4" letters. Bigger would have been cool but I like the size I have.

Reply author: dlucier
Replied on: 04/08/2008 13:27:11
Message:

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OLarryR
 The key to doing this right is not to pick too small a font size. Many order it undersized. Then when out sailing, the font may not be large enough to read from a distance.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Along with smallish fonts, one must be careful with the style as well. For example in your boat's name "Robin's Nest", the "N" in Nest has very thin uprights that at a distance might disappear and look like "Robin's est"

I have a similar thing with my boat's name.

Reply author: barleyrooty
Replied on: 04/08/2008 13:57:37
Message:

Thanks for the input. Do you like the stern name/port as well? If so, what size?

Thanks,
Phil

Reply author: SCnewbie
Replied on: 04/08/2008 14:51:12
Message:

I wanted the name on the stern but on the 250, there isn't much room for it.

Reply author: OLarryR
Replied on: 04/08/2008 22:59:06
Message:

Originally posted by dlucier "...Along with smallish fonts, one must be careful with the style as well. For example in your boat's name "Robin's Nest", the "N" in Nest has very thin uprights ..."

"I have a similar thing with my boat's name."

The other thing about thin letters is that sometimes getting the letter to stick on may take some tender loving care to get it right. I had some trouble with the thin part of "S" in my boat name. But these are minor nuisances. For the most part, looking at the many other boats with photos on this Forum and in a Marina will generally provide good hints as to what works.

As far as names on the stern, this really was not an option for me with a '89 Cat. The ladder is on one side and the motor on the other. The name would be very hard to read blocked by those interferences. (Also, my boat name on the hull sides is somewhere between 48" to 54" in length. Can't remember exact dimension.)

Reply author: dlucier
Replied on: 04/09/2008 05:46:18
Message:

Reply author: OLarryR
Replied on: 04/09/2008 07:35:26
Message:

Don,

So you have the name on the hull sides and the stern !!

Any thought putting it somewhere on the deck ? Never know when a Coast Guard helicopter may be checking you out !

Reply author: dlucier
Replied on: 04/09/2008 07:51:59
Message:

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OLarryR
 Don,

So you have the name on the hull sides and the stern !!<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Say you're in a channel, single file with some other boats, having the name on the stern will allow another boater to more easily hail you if necessary. I'm more likely to recognize being hailed with my boat name instead of "hailing white sailboat in front of me".

Reply author: OLarryR
Replied on: 04/09/2008 08:18:53
Message:

Don,

Good point !

I think there is not a week that goes by that there is something mentioned on this Forum that then gets me thinking I have to add addl things on to my to do list:

Modify the table

replace halyards

Replace my VHF with one that has an easily accessible remote or by a handheld.

Boat name On the Stern

Reply author: Nautiduck
Replied on: 04/09/2008 11:02:46
Message:

Ditto the comments about fonts with thin edging. We had that on our C22 and the letters were prone to unstick at those thin places.

Reply author: delliottg
Replied on: 04/09/2008 14:40:11
Message:

For reference here's what ours looks like:

Reply author: piseas
Replied on: 04/09/2008 15:20:01
Message:

Don, I also like the idea of putting the name on the stern. I was gonna add hailing port and if I shrink everything down I think I can add both. What size did you go with on the stern?
BTW, Your choice of size and font makes it very easy to read your name. This should be first choice, not how fancy or creative one can be. Save that for the name itself.
Steve A

Reply author: barleyrooty
Replied on: 04/09/2008 15:26:11
Message:

>> Any thought putting it somewhere on the deck ?

Put it on the bimini of course!

Reply author: dlucier
Replied on: 04/09/2008 15:49:06
Message:

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by piseas
 What size did you go with on the stern?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Steve,

It's been a while, but I think the letters on the stern are 4 inches high.

Reply author: MartinJW
Replied on: 04/20/2008 15:09:48
Message:

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OLarryR
 I used Boat US on-line.
...
The lettering was believe in 8" font. But because of the font I chose...

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Can you tell me exactly which font this is? (My wife and I like it.)

Thanks!

Reply author: OLarryR
Replied on: 04/20/2008 22:23:47
Message:

Martin,

I found my old receipt but it only has an item Number and not the descriptors to determine exactly what I ordered. I hope to call or stop by the Boat US Graphics tomorrow afternoon and will let you know later by EMail or here what I find out.

Looking at the Boat US Graphics on-line tool, I am 95% sure I ordered it as follows:
Font: "Black Chancery"
Size based on capital letter: 8" (but for the font I chose - It has tails on the capitals and it is more like 10" on the capitals)
Color: Believe it was a Metallic Blue.

If you were to have a name with 8" capitals with the above font (that font has tails so 8" capital is more like 10"), then the length of a two word name with same number of characters as my boat name, the length would be approximately 54" !! That is shown on their on-line form in the bottom left side of the screen. Rcmd discuss with the graphics personnel about your font and actual height of capitals and small letters and how it effects total length so you have no surprises after ordering. If you do talk to them, ask if they can provide you with a small extra scrap piece of same color matl so that you can use that to patch any smudges that may occur after a year or two. Maybe they will give you that scrap piece for free.

Reply author: OLarryR
Replied on: 04/21/2008 10:50:35
Message:

Martin,

I called up Boat US Graphics and got the confirming info regarding my Item Number:

Font: Black Chancery
Color: Navy Blue
Size & length: 6 1/2" and 48" long

However, what they told me was at the time I ordered my boat name, that font they had a sizing issue with the "tails" on the capital letters. So my 6 1/2" captila is really closer to 8" or maybe even a bit larger. They now are sizing it with the tail closer to what the customer specifies as the size of the capital letter. If I had ordered it today, then the size would probably be around 8". You can still check with them and they can tell you exactly what the size and length will be and will adjust according to your preferences.

Reply author: MartinJW
Replied on: 04/21/2008 18:31:52
Message:

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OLarryR
 Martin,

I called up Boat US Graphics and got the confirming info regarding my Item Number:

Font: Black Chancery
Color: Navy Blue
Size & length: 6 1/2" and 48" long

However, what they told me was at the time I ordered my boat name, that font they had a sizing issue with the "tails" on the capital letters. So my 6 1/2" captila is really closer to 8" or maybe even a bit larger. They now are sizing it with the tail closer to what the customer specifies as the size of the capital letter. If I had ordered it today, then the size would probably be around 8". You can still check with them and they can tell you exactly what the size and length will be and will adjust according to your preferences.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Dave,

This is great. Thanks for all your help. I'll post pictures, eventually, of the new boat with the lettering.

Thanks again,
Martin

Reply author: MartinJW
Replied on: 05/10/2008 10:25:34
Message:

For whatever it's worth, here's what we're going to order from our local sign guy:

Bluebell
FONT: Lucida Calligraphy (this is a standard Microsoft Office font)
8" high letters
TWO stickers (one for each side of the boat)

NV 8237 KX
FONT: Century Gothic bold
3" high letters
TWO stickers (one for each side of the boat)

JUNE 13, 2008; Here's the installed lettering:

Reply author: Prospector
Replied on: 05/12/2008 07:18:10
Message:

Our Boat (Iris) has port/stbd/stern lettering including hailing port and bow numbers as a package for $65 in a 12" font for the sides and 8" for the transom. (the registration numbers are 3" high)

This was a package deal from "Jet Media" in Whitby Ontario. If you are interested I suggest googling him, he will do mail orders. They came in the standard vinyl peel & Stick letters with the paper backing to line things up.

Reply author: Steve Blackburn
Replied on: 05/16/2008 20:23:09
Message:

Following this threads advice I went with 8" high using font GoodTimes. I find it a little big but then again it gives the boat a certain modern racing flair to it.

Putting on the VC-17 tomorrow and launching it Monday, Yoohoo!

Reply author: Nautiduck
Replied on: 05/17/2008 00:06:30
Message:

Looks great Steve!

Reply author: Steve Blackburn
Replied on: 05/17/2008 00:29:50
Message:

Thanks Randy. I wasn't so sure anymore. LOL

About pricing, I was quoted between $94 - $420. I sent multiple emails with my specifications and picked the lowest. I stopped by a graphics shop where they wanted $255 for this. My $94 guy used the same vinyle in the same color than the $255. Moral of the story: Shop around.

Reply author: Nautiduck
Replied on: 05/17/2008 09:03:09
Message:

Steve, I notice a pile of bags of dirt or mulch in the background. I hope you are not neglecting your yard duties.

P.S. Cool that your sig font matches the boat.

Reply author: Steve Blackburn
Replied on: 05/18/2008 00:06:31
Message:

LOL. The pile of top soil is for my son's Garden. I neglected boat duty just a bit.

Reply author: piseas
Replied on: 05/19/2008 15:55:38
Message:

Steve, I like the fact that its easy to read. I have seen some so fancy I cant tell whats its saying. Anyway, I was gonna go with 9" but after seeing yours, I think 8 will do. Plus I will have to install in the water. I dont have the luxury of a trailer like you.
Steve A

Reply author: barleyrooty
Replied on: 06/06/2008 21:51:42
Message:

So I still don't have a name!

Here's the pretty long story if you care.

I went to my local "Fastsigns" - in Union, NJ.

After three visits to the store, two phone calls with "Mark", the manager, and three emails, they failed to make the names correctly. Both times they got the wrong font, or didn't get the correct "bold" & "italic" that I was looking for. I'm generally very forgiving, try to work problems out, and I didn't lose my cool, but the second time they messed up Mark grabbed the names back from me, and said he wouldn't try and fix the problem - essentially kicking me out. I emailed fastsigns to let them know they had a problem with this franchise, but after one response promising to contact me, they failed to return my phone call and email.

So at this point, I'm reduced to sharing with you all what a terrible job they did.

Use fastsigns at your own risk, but I'd be careful with them, and I'd have to strongly recommend you don't use the Union, NJ store.

Best,
Phil

Reply author: Nautiduck
Replied on: 06/06/2008 22:09:12
Message:

Sorry to hear about your experience. Talk about lousy customer service! I used Overton's (online) and am happy with the result. I think West Marine also does lettering and they have a very liberal return policy.

Reply author: piseas
Replied on: 06/08/2008 09:51:32
Message:

I was gonna use Fastsigns in CA due to recommendations of other posts. My problem was not being able to get at their office before 6pm closing and they are not open Saturdays. Your manager sounds like a jerk.
Steve A

Reply author: dlucier
Replied on: 06/08/2008 18:14:04
Message:

My experience with FastSigns was very positive. I walked in, gave them the font, they printed out a test page of the boat name, I approved it, they printed it out, and then I walked out the door. It was truly a FastSign.

Association Forum : http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/

Close Window