by SUNBIRD » Tue May 10, 2016 3:25 pm
As an experienced USCGAUX Vessel Examiner, I would have to tell you that those are not "Block Letters", and TECHNICALLY do not meet the Federal Requirements. However, off the record...... they are VERY readable, properly spaced, great contrast, appear to be at least 3" high, and look much better that many boats that I've seen. So, do they meet the letter of the law..... not really. Are you likely to get fined for this, who knows..... a hard-nosed official having a bad day might cite you. I suspect though that as long as you are in compliance with the rest of the requirements, you may get away with these numbers.
As I say, the only problem that I see is the italics script, at least you don't have black letter on a dark color background (what gets me are the boats with black letters on a dark color sheer stripe, instead of being placed 3-4" lower, but still well above the waterline, on the off-white part of the hull), you have the numbers spaced exactly as required, and as I say.... look to be over 3" high.
Again, as a fellow boat owner, I'd say they look fine, as a VE, well....... I'd say they "should be" changed......, but........ If I had not revealed that I am a VE..... I might just tell you they look fine, you have certainly met the "spirit" of the law (but don't quote me as saying it is OK). Again, off the record, although technically, "judgement calls" are not allowed, I would probably not withhold the VSC Decal if everything else met the requirements. Yes, those are not "block letters", but they are still clearly readable, and meet all other details of the numbering regs. I'd "recommend" changing them, but as I say... they look better than far too many other boats.
Rod Johnson, "SUNBIRD"
1979 DS II, # 10201