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What size decal should I order for name on transom

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av8rOC
Navigator

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USA
121 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/08/2012 : 08:04:33

Hey guys I'm on a trip right now and messing around looking at vinyl decals for the new boat name.

I'd like to put the name on the transom but I have the usual swim ladder and outboard bracket. I was just looking for a rough idea of what size decals you guys have.

Thanks

Sean
Hyde Aweigh 4
1984 SRFK #4152
LINY

Edited by - av8rOC on 04/08/2012 08:05:34

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3466 Posts

Response Posted - 04/08/2012 : 16:23:01

I am sure there are some that have put the name on the transom. But as you indicated, the ladder and the outboard bracket block the view and so that is why many have put the name on the port and starboard sides of the hull. The other benefit of putting it on the sides of the hull is that you can get a fairly large size font that will allow the name to be seen visibly from a distance when sailing. Having the name on the transom, if you use a small font so that the ladder and bracket are not blocking it, then it is going to be a fairly small font and doubtful will be seen readily when sailing.

If sticking with putting the name on the transom, I am not sure exactly what font size would work best. It is a balance between selecting a large enough font to be seen from a distance and yet not that large that it is significantly hidden by the ladder and bracket/outboard. Then again, perhaps a large font would work best even if obscured by the ladder and bracket. A large font may be large enough that even if blocked by the obstructions from complete view would be so large that the name could be made out ! I guess I would scrutinize the transom and see what length the full name could occupy and you would be satisfied with it. Then go to Boat US graphics or one of the other online vinyl graphics mfrs and experiment with their online name software/engines. Most of these sources, when you select a font and type in your name, it will show the name/spacing and usually indicate the overall length of the name based on the font you selected. You then will have an idea of the max font you could get away with on the transom. While the overall length will be most important, probably best to also consider the largest height of each letter. For example, if you choose a 6" font, depending on the font, some letters may actually have a height larger than 6" and you would have to check the transom if any addl obstructions prevent that font from being used. For example, the font I used on the port and starboard sides was either 6" or 8" (can't recall right now) but because my captial letters have tails on them (based on the font I selected), the actual height of those letters was much larger....like 10" or 12" !!
Another thing to consider is that oftentimes the graphics mfrs will provide the name as a one piece decal...unless you specify that you want it in say two pieces. Depending on how you want to apply it on the transom, you may want to also consider that since the letters are not normally provided as single letter decals or name divided into two pieces. Something to discuss with the graphics dept as to how it would be provided, though, I guess you could always cut it if needed and then put it on in two pieces. I guess you would be taking off your rudder to facilitate the install and so then believe you may have no other obstructions.

My decal was a one piece decal.
Shown below just to give you an idea of how a font can wind up with much larger letters (mainly the capitals) -

Edited by - OLarryR on 04/08/2012 16:38:13

JimGo
Admiral

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Response Posted - 04/09/2012 : 06:26:36

I just put this on my transom yesterday:

It's Castellar font, in 2". I left off the name of the boat because there just wasn't enough room. Castellar is a fairly wide font, and the name overflowed past the gudgeons. I thought about cutting the hailing port so it fit on two lines, but thought it looked kind of silly.

As you're planning this, remember that the outboard sits on the starbord side and will block a good bit of the transom over there. As a result, I kept everything on the port side.

Edited by - on

av8rOC
Navigator

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USA
121 Posts

Response Posted - 04/09/2012 : 09:12:17

Excellent information guys, thanks yet again. I saw a C25 down at the marina with a name on the hull that looked quite good. I think I may go that route and Jim use your size port of hail on the transom.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 04/09/2012 : 10:50:28

I just blogged ours for JimGo - but this is such a common problem its good for you too. blogpost is here: http://littleboatiris.blogspot.ca/2012/04/sticker-season.html

FWIW, our name is in 7.5" letters on the transom, but its only 4 letters long.

Edited by - Prospector on 04/09/2012 10:52:21

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