FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We are always here to help!

1. What if I've never applied vinyl boat letters before?
Feedback from our customers over the years, who have never done it before, have said that if you follow the directions, take your time and pick a day that is not too windy, it�s easy.

2. What supplies will I need to apply my boat letters?
You will need an application squeegee, which is included in your order, masking tape, a yardstick or tape for measuring, a scissor and a cleaned surface to apply the letter. We also recommend a water-soluble marking pencil, available from us. Water-soluble pencils will wash off your boat easily after the boat letters are applied.

3. Where do I get these supplies?
The application squeegee will be included in your order. You may buy the water-soluble marking pencil from your local art supply store. Everything else is available at your local hardware store.

4. How do I remove existing boat lettering from my boat?
Most vinyl boat lettering can be removed. We recommend that you warm the surface of the boat letters �a sunny day may do it, but a hair dryer will also work well. Lift a corner or edge of each letter and pull.

5. How do I remove the sticky residue that remains after I�ve removed the old vinyl boat letters?
Our favourite way is with paint thinner. Apply a coat over the residue and let soak for 30-60 seconds. With your fingernail, lightly scratch the sticky substance. It will come off easily but will be a little messy. Wipe the surface and then clean with soap and water or glass cleaner.

6. How long can I expect my boat letters to last?
According to the vinyl manufacturer, 7 years. However, we have seen many vinyl boat letters continue to maintain their durability many years longer.

7. Will the color of my boat letters fade?
You can expect the color to last the same as the letter itself.

8. Can I get a vinyl sample of the color I am choosing before I order?
Yes. email us at info@signsbyu.com or fax us your requests at 604-987-4343� don�t forget to specify color(s).

9. Does it matter what temperature it is when I apply my vinyl boat letters?
The minimum application temperature recommended by the manufacturer is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 degrees Celsius.

10. Should I wax my boat before I put my letters on?
No. If anything, any wax first needs to be removed. We recommend that your boat surface be free of any dirt, grease or wax. This can be done by using Isopropyl alcohol, methyl hydrate or acetone. Be sure to test is a small inconspicuous area of the boat first to make sure whatever cleaner you use does not damage the surface

11. Do I need a �Hailing Port� under my boat�s name?
If you have a registered boat, yes.

12. What is the difference between a licensed vessel and a registered vessel?
Registration is a procedure for documentation of ownership or title. Licensing is a procedure which identifies a vessel as having paid sales tax in a province or territory and does not necessarily imply ownership or title. It's all too easy to buy a licensed boat and have the police come and take it away. There's no easy way to check the ownership trail, liens on the boat, or if it's stolen (check with the police at the very least). Licensing is not really the norm for expensive vessels, as owners usually wish to obtain clear title and proof of ownership that comes with registration. A licence is simply a piece of paper which allows you to go on the water; it has absolutely nothing to do with proof of ownership. You do not need to prove you own the boat to get a licence -- and boat thefts are rumoured to be in the area of 15% of inventory in Canada. And what of banks and finance companies chasing their security.

A standard 36 foot and up cruiser with good interior living accomodations normally meets this minimum measure. Many people think of this measurement as weight, which is practically impossible for pleasure boats. Very few of us have boats in this weight range There are many advantages to actually registering a boat, not the least of which are clear title, and sequence of title, and option to borrow against the value of the boat as security (marine mortgage). Most foreign ports will insist on vessel registration to ensure confirmation of ownership and nationality of captain and vessel. If you plan to cruise to other countries, or just want to secure your ownership, registration is a good idea. Of course, it costs more and requires filling out forms.

While the rules for a licensed boat require the lettering to bet a minimum of 3� tall, a registered vessel must have numbers the lettering a minimum of 4 � tall,

13.What if I have a "licenced" boat?
By law, you must display your pleasure craft�s licence number above the water line on both sides of the bow, as far forward as practical and where it can easily be seen. The numbers must be in block letters, 3� in height and must contrast with the colour of your pleasure craft�s bow.

14. Will my boat registration numbers be spaced according to regulations?
Your boat registration numbers will arrive pre-spaced according to Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary specifications which state �They must be plain, vertical, block characters, not less than (3) inches high, and in a color contrasting with the background. A space or hyphen must separate the letters from the numbers.�

15. How do I apply my vinyl boat letters?
Go to Installation Installation Instructions.pdf file

16. Do I need to put anything over my vinyl boat letters to protect them?
No. However, after your boat letters are "set" (about a week should do it), it is okay to wax over your boat letters. Do not use a power buffer over the vinyl lettering. Instead wax over the lettering portion of the boat by hand.

17. Can I wash my boat after my letters are applied?
Other than removing the water-soluble marks, which should come off easily with a wet cloth, it is always better to let your vinyl letters �set-up� for a few days before washing. If you use a garden hose, be careful not to use too much pressure.

18. What if I make a mistake when I apply my boat letters?
You will probably do fine if you follow the instructions carefully and choose a day that is not too windy. However, if you do mess up you can reorder just the letters or numbers that need replacing. There is a minimum order of $45.00 on replacement letters, plus shipping and handling.

19. Can I use your vinyl letters or graphics on something other than my boat?
Yes. There are many applications for using the same vinyl letters or graphics including truck doors, vans, bug shields, motorcycles, jet skis, snowmobiles, storefront windows, mailboxes, jet skis, motorcycles, ski-doos or any smooth, clean and dry surface.

20. Can you make something that I have designed?
How do I find out what it costs?
Yes. You may email us at info@signsbyu.com or Fax 604-987-4343 your artwork to us. All custom artwork is priced individually based on complexity of artwork, number of colors, size and any �clean-up� of artwork that may be required.

21. How do I send you the artwork that I would like to use?
Please email the file to info@signsbyu.com The file that will work best will be an illustrator .eps

22. Is my purchase from this site safe?
Yes. Signsbyu.com is a secure site and accepts Paypal, Visa, MasterCard and American Express

23. How soon will I receive my order?
Most credit card orders are shipped within 3 days. If you are paying by check, orders will be shipped within 2 - 3 weeks.

24. Can I order vinyl boat letters for someone else and have them shipped to the address I specify?
Yes. Please specify the correct �Ship to� address on the order form when you are checking out.

25. If I have a question that is not answered in the FAQ section, how do I contact signsbyu.com?
You may contact us by telephone 604-987-2322, by Fax 604-987-4343 or email us at info@signsbyu.com

26. I can�t wait to get my vinyl boat letters. How do I order?
Please click this link to be directly taken to signsbyu.com online design