Grey inflatable catamaran with white 150 mm vinyl registration numbers on the tube

Owner's how-to

How to put registration numbers on your inflatable

Three correct ways to apply your state-issued rego to an Aerowave hull — 150 mm vinyl stickers, a DIY PVC-paint stencil, or a professional sign writer. Pick the one that suits your time, budget and how permanent you want it.

Option 1 · Vinyl stickers Option 2 · DIY stencil + PVC spray Option 3 · Pro sign writer

150 mm letter height

Australian state marine authorities require letters and numbers a minimum of 150 mm (15 cm) high. Ask any sign writer for "150 mil" — they'll know exactly what you mean.

Both sides of the bow

Numbers go on the forward third of each tube, port and starboard, in a colour that contrasts with the tube — white on grey, black on white.

Always check your state

NSW Maritime, Marine Safety Victoria, MSQ, DoT WA, MAST and Marine SA each publish their own placement rules. Check yours before you stick or spray.

Option 1 · Easiest

150 mm vinyl stickers

The cheapest and fastest way. Walk into any local sign writer and ask for a set of marine-grade vinyl registration numbers, 150 mm high, for both sides of an inflatable boat. Most shops will cut them while you wait for around $60–$120 a set.

1Wipe the tube clean with isopropyl alcohol or warm soapy water and let it dry fully. Don't use solvents — they can dull PVC.
2Mark the top edge with low-tack masking tape so your numbers sit level on a curved tube.
3Peel the backing off, press the vinyl on, then squeegee from the centre out to push out air bubbles. Peel the transfer tape off slowly at a sharp angle.
4Repeat on the other side, mirrored. Leave the boat inflated and out of the sun for 24 hours before launching.

Honest trade-off: on an inflatable PVC or Hypalon hull, marine vinyl typically lasts 6 months to 2 years before lifting at the edges, fading or cracking from tube flex and UV. Easiest to replace, but not as permanent as paint.

Hands applying white vinyl registration decals to a grey inflatable boat tube with a squeegee

Adhesive stencil and newspaper masking taped to a grey inflatable boat tube ready for PVC spray paint

Option 2 · Most permanent DIY

DIY stencil + PVC spray paint

For numbers that won't peel off, ask your sign writer to cut you an adhesive stencil instead of finished vinyl — typically $40–$80 a set. You then mask up your tubes and spray the numbers on with a flexible PVC-suitable spray paint in black, grey or white.

1Inflate the boat fully, clean the tubes and let them dry. Pick a still, warm, dust-free day.
2Mask off a generous border around where the numbers will sit. Tape newspaper or painter's plastic over everything else — overspray travels further than you think. Use low-tack painter's tape only — never duct or packaging tape on the tubes.
3Position the stencil, smooth it down so every edge sits flat on the PVC, and tape its outer edge to the masking.
4Shake the can well and apply three light passes of flexible PVC / vinyl-rated spray paint (black, grey or white) — never one heavy coat. Hold the can ~25 cm back and keep moving.
5Wait 10–15 minutes, then peel the stencil off while the paint is still slightly tacky — you'll get cleaner edges. Leave masking on until fully dry.
6Cure for 24–48 hours inflated and out of direct sun before launching.

Honest trade-off: done properly, painted numbers will outlast vinyl by years and won't peel at the edges. The catch is prep time — budget half a day, and use a paint that specifically states it bonds to PVC or flexible vinyl.

Option 3 · Hands-off

Get a sign writer to do the lot

If you'd rather not pull out the masking tape, hand the whole job to a local sign writer. They'll cut their own stencil, mask the tubes properly, spray both sides with PVC-grade paint and hand you back a finished boat. Typical all-in price is $400–$600 for both sides depending on location and how fancy the lettering is.

Numbers that look factory-finished, with perfectly straight baselines on a curved tube.
The most permanent finish — paint bonded into the PVC by a pro who does it weekly.
Most regional sign shops will come to you, or you drop the boat off inflated for the day.

Tip: phone two or three local sign writers and ask specifically: "Can you spray 150 mm rego numbers onto an inflatable PVC boat tube, both sides?" Anyone who hesitates — call the next one.

Professional sign writer spraying registration numbers onto a grey inflatable hull using a stencil

Which option suits you?

Option	Approx. cost	Time on the boat (sign writer time)	Number lifespan
Vinyl stickers	$60–$120	30–45 min	6 months – 2 years
DIY stencil + PVC spray	$40–$80 (stencil) + paint	Half a day	5–8 years
Professional sign writer	$400–$600 both sides	1–2 hours at your boat	8+ years

"Time on the boat" is the time the sign writer actually spends on your hull, not your own time standing on the boat. Prices are indicative Australian retail (2026) and vary by location and design complexity. Always confirm letter height and placement with your state's marine authority before ordering.

Not sure which to choose for your Aerowave?

Call us on +61 2 4335 1603 or email sales@easyinflatables.com.au — we'll point you to the right finish for your hull colour and tell you what's worked best for owners in your state.

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