Hi Kathy;

One of the nicest and simplest means of putting a name on your boat is via the use of frisket material. It is available at any art supply store, and is thin, clear plastic with an adhesive backing, stuck on white paper. Sort of like very thin contact paper.

The procedure is as follows: Design the stylized name on your computer, printing it in outline form in the proper (1:1) size. Use the frisket material in a copier, and copy the printed name onto it. Stick it on your boat and use an Xacto knife to cut out the name. Frisket cuts very easily, so you won't harm your finish. You now have a "mask" that you can spray any type of paint onto, and when you remove the frisket the lettering will be perfect.

I did this to my last powerboat, "Bay Tripper", and faded the script name top to bottom from a red, through mauve, ultimately to blue, in metal flake. It looked pretty slick.

If you don't have a compressor and small air brush, you can get an aerosol spray kit from your local auto paint store for less than $15, and still mix your own paints. For less than what you would pay someone to paint it, you can be set up for all manner of future uses. If you do have a compressor then do go for a decent air brush - Lots of fun and uses . . .

Best Regards, Spidey

P.S. I don't have any pics of the boat name, but my 2nd airbush attempt ever is shown below (complete with wrinkles & water spots), all done with friskets & airbrush - Of the type shown in the picture (dual action). I have zero artistic ability, it just shows what friskets and a few swipes of a decent airbrush can accomplish . . . circa 1985 or so . . .