Transom Name Lettering Vinyl vs Painting

[DonK]

Has anyone had experiance with using vinyl lettering.
How does this compare with other methods of applying names.

It is less expensive but is it more durable?

Can varnish be applied over the vinyl?

I have seen some nice metalic gold letter vinyl.

Fifty plus years ago did transoms have names?

[Don Ayers]

Don;

First, names have been put on the sides and transom from the earliest days. Most of the time this was done in gold, silver, or paint.

This type of lettering is becoming a lost art and does produce wonderful results. The problem is finding someone who has the talent and time. This gets pretty expensive as well.

The new technology offers many advantages;

It is easier to design on a computer

It is cheaper for sure

It is quicker to apply

It can be removed without sanding

Disadvantages;

You can not coat over it

It is not original

It may not have the uniqueness as leaf

Hope this helps

Don

[MikeM]

Don(s),

I agree with Don A. on the availability of vinyl and it is definitely cheaper. However, anyone who's ever seen a quality gold leaf job out in the sun would agree that it's worth the money. It can be absolutely breathtaking! I would also add that there is just something wrong with feeling the raised surface of the vinyl when you run your hand along the finished transom (and we all do!)

Those are my 2 cents.

Mike Mayer

[J. William Tarbrake]

Don,
I must disagree with Don Ayers on one point,varnish CAN be applied over vinyl lettering and will adhere to it as long as it has been properly prepared. Simply wet sand the vinyl graphics before applying the varnish or urethane clear.

[THE RAZZ]

I think the Vinyl vs Painting issue depends two issues-will the boat be shown at a high end Concours and the budget.
The Razz got 24kt gold on the transome (pictured here) and 14 kt gold for "Chris Craft" (also pictured) because she was headed for the Lake Tahoe Concours.
The Razz has registration numbers done in 24 kt gold; that was a mistake esthetically. It would be better with the registration number & Chris Craft in the same 14 kt gold.
Speaking of lettering, its attractive to carry an antique boat on a well appointed trailer (pictured). Recognizing all who contributed to restoration on the trailer can make a nice presentation too. www.bratanadesign.com lettered The Razz while talking about xyz without a glitch. Real talent. The boat custom design transome & hull letters in 24kt and 14kt cost $400, $300 for the trailer art work & $200 for custom art for tire covers (2). Good luck. Jturney, The Razz

[Dale Harris]

Just had my cruiser done in 23 carat gold leaf with outlining to match the upholstery trim (navy) and the bootstripe (light blue) by Tim Grant of Grant Signs, Lancaster, PA. It was amazing to watch him do this totally freehand! This is the first time the old girl has ever had a name on her transom. We are happy with the job.

Dale