[C320-list] Documentation Number Placement

[Jeffrey Kapec]

Hello Doug:

I have my federal documentation numbers (black vinyl and 2.5 
inches high) mounted to a thin rigid white plastic sheet 
with a clear overlay heat laminated to seal the numbers and 
protect them.  I mounted that assembly rather neatly right 
inside the electrical panel screwed into the interior 
liner.  There is ample room to place them above the wiring.  
Just open the panel door to present the numbers.

It was fine with the Coast Guard.

Several years ago I was sailing about 2 miles offshore (off 
Boston Harbor) with small craft advisory conditions ( a 
licensed captain was joining me for a long haul to 
Connecticut ).  We were one of two boat out early morning in 
that weather and I was hailed by the Coast Guard.  They were 
a little dot a mile away when I was hailed on channel 16 for 
a "routine safety inspection".  They came up quickly with 7 
crew on their fast inflatable. We tied up to their craft so 
they could board. The two boats were rocking and shaking in 
3 ft swells as they boarded.  Checked everything and I 
presented the documentation numbers in that location and 
they were fine with it.  Passed  inspection no problem but 
one of the trainees who boarded  came down below to look at 
my papers and could not take the seaway below deck and ran 
up the companionway leavening some of his breakfast topsides 
on my gunnel.  I gave him some ginger ale to sooth his 
stomach and we bid adieu.

Jeff Kapec
Petite Suite 718