AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/boat-registration-number-forward-half
Where must your boat's registration numbers be displayed?
On both sides of the forward half of the boat.
- Across the stern under the name
- On the windshield
- Both sides of the forward half ✔
Why: 33 CFR 173.27 says numbers go on each side of the forward half of the boat, in plain vertical block characters at least 3 inches tall, reading left to right.
Huh, didn't know that: If you move your boat to a new state of principal use, the old number stays valid for 60 days.
What kind of boat do smart people ride on? A scholarship.
Like this card?
References
Answer: Both sides of the forward half. 33 CFR 173.27 says numbers go on each side of the forward half of the boat, in plain vertical block characters at least 3 inches tall, reading left to right.
- 33 CFR 173.27 Numbers: Display; size; color (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-173.27
Be painted on or permanently attached to each side of the forward half of the vessel
Checked 2026-10-08. - USCG A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (2023) www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
When a vessel is moved to a new state of principal use, the CON remains valid for 60 days.
Checked 2026-10-08.
Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.
More stuff everyone should know
Boating & WaterFederal rules say a recreational boat must carry how many wearable life jackets?Boating & WaterAt what boat length does federal law add a throwable flotation device to the wearable ones?Boating & WaterUnder the federal rule, kids under what age must wear a life jacket on a moving boat?
That's stuff everyone should know.