Since the boat we just got was registered in Iowa what is the best way to go about removing the vinyl letter/number registration numbers and state tags on the bow? I've read that heat from a hair drier and a plastic scraper work well without damaging the gel coat. Is that the best way to do it?

Yup. Just be careful not to heat it too much.

Thanks, I'll go at it slow.

FWL after you get the numbers off you'll still be able to see the "shadow" of those numbers from where the gelcoat has faded from aging. (That happens to all of us sooner or later) You may have to attack that area with a bit of polishing compound.

You may not be able to remove all evidence of the old numbers but after a couple of years in the sun they should disappear.

Okay, help a never before did any of this stuff newb here... what is the difference between polishing compound and wax?

Found the answer... ordering some polish now.

If you have any residue left after removing the old numbers there is a product called GooGone that will remove it or WD40 also works pretty good. Just put some on and let it sit for a while, then wipe off.

I use a hair dryer when replacing my registration sticker as well. I start with the hair dryer far away and move it closer until I can get the stickers off. Once you can get a corner off it usually goes pretty good. (note that my registration stickers are only on for 2 years while the name of your new boat may of had stickers on since 1994).

i found that "goof off" works much better for cleaning boat stuff than "goo gone". of course it's highly flamable and you'll need to wax afterwards, but it's great for removing sticky stuff, black marks, etc. if you're going to use it, do not use it on a wet surface or with a rag that has water on it as it won't work (go figure).

also, there are specific cleaning products (as well as brushes) for different parts of the boat. bilge cleaner, hull cleaner, non skid cleaner, vinyl cleaner, etc. they usually do a good job but tend to be expensive and take up lots of room. kind of like all the different kind of creams my wife has (one for the left eyelid, one for the right, one for the elbows, one for the knees, etc). heaven forbid body cream makes it to the neck or vice versa.

as gfc mentioned, the sun will help fade old letering marks, so you may want to let the sun get to it for a while before putting on the new lettering. this is especially true if you're removing (and replacing) a name on the transom.

A little off topic, but my favorite all-purpose boat cleaner is "Black Streak Remover" from Wal Mart. It's great stuff.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

Bruce, that sounds good I figured I'd remove the lettering now (supposed to be nice this week) do any clean up needed and let it kind of be exposed until spring, although it will be inside for a large part of that so I guess that won't help too much. But that's for the bow ID lettering... the 'name' area which is much larger anyway, I can remove, leave bare (do the whole un-naming thing in the spring in the water, lol) use it bare for a few summer months and then do the re-naming ritual and apply the new name, hopefully that will give it a little time... I guess we'll have to play it by ear on that one. I'd think the markings would be much more noticeable back there than up front. Could be wrong though , lol.

FWL, you can pick up polishing compound at any auto parts store. I've used it with a rotary buffer and it works well. If you use a rotary buffer make sure to use the lowest speed setting and don't hold it in one place. The polishing compound has an abrasive cutting agent in it so be gentle with it.

After you've gone over the area where the numbers were you will need to wax over the area.

Just a hint, on a boat that size you would do yourselves a favor by picking up a Makita buffer like this one...

It will make waxing the boat go soooooo much faster than doing it by hand. It's a variable speed buffer and be sure to use the lowest speed setting.

I can do my entire boat in one day with it. It used to take me 3-4 days doing it by hand.

LOL Ordered the buffer yesterday -- what elbow grease? Me? Not if there is something I can get to do the 'grease' for me. haha.

Man, you guys like to work hard for a clean looking boat. While GooGone will help with the glue from the lettering, the best cleaner for me would be StarBrite hull clearner. That will take off any discolorization. Once your done with that, then wax.

FWL,

if the name across the back is just painted on,the best thing to take that off is,easy off oven cleaner.
it mite take more than one try,(depending on how long its been on )but the oven cleaner WILL NOT hurt the gel coat.


woosterken

I'm not sure Woosterken... I 'think' the name is vinyl lettering too. I'll have to run out there and check, but i'm pretty sure he bought it at the same place he bought the id lettering/numbers because it's the same font style/color, etc..