Boats

Pontoon Boat Registration Numbers and Names: Where They Go

A pontoon has no hull side like a runabout. Here is where the number and the name can go and what the rule asks for.

Updated October 13, 2026 · By the Work Decals team

A pontoon boat is a numbered boat like any other, but it has no tall hull side to put lettering on. The tubes are round and low, the deck sits above them and the fence is open. This page explains how the federal rule handles that and where owners usually put the number and the name. It is a summary, so confirm with your state boating agency.

What the rule asks for

The Coast Guard rule for state-numbered vessels (33 CFR 173.27), in plain words:

The number goes on each side of the forward half of the vessel.
The characters are plain block letters and numbers at least 3 inches tall, in a color that contrasts with the background, read left to right.
A space or hyphen separates the letter group from the number group.

When the tubes are not easy to read

The rule has an answer for hulls where the number would not be easily visible: it may go on a backing plate attached to the forward half, visible from each side. Many pontoon owners use this or put the number on the side of the front deck panel or fence, where it is flat and in view. Check that your state accepts the spot you choose.

The boat name

A name on a pontoon is your choice unless the boat is documented, in which case the Coast Guard asks for the name and hailing port in letters at least 4 inches tall (46 CFR 67.123). Common spots are the side of the front fence or deck panel and the rear. Make the name clearly different from the registration number so no one confuses them.

Ordering

Our boat registration number decals come in block letters from 3 to 5 inches, shown at true size before you order. Our boat name decals start at 4 inches. The vinyl is 3M film listed for watercraft and marine graphics: apply it to a clean, dry, smooth surface.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Does a pontoon boat need registration numbers?

If your state numbers the boat, yes. Pontoons are numbered like any other boat, and most are motorized. The state decides, so check your agency's page.

How big do the numbers have to be?

At least 3 inches tall, in plain vertical block letters, in a color that contrasts with the background (33 CFR 173.27).

Which side of the pontoon do they go on?

Each side of the forward half of the vessel. Because the tubes are round, the number often goes on a flat surface at the front, such as the side of the deck panel or fence, or on a backing plate that is visible from each side.

What is a backing plate?

The federal rule allows the number to go on a plate attached to the forward half when it would not be easily visible on the hull or superstructure. The plate must be visible from each side.

Can I put my boat name on the tubes?

Yes, for a boat that is not documented the name is your choice. Make it clearly different from the registration number. For a documented vessel the Coast Guard asks for the name and hailing port at least 4 inches tall (46 CFR 67.123).

What vinyl do I use on a pontoon?

We make boat number and name decals on 3M vinyl that 3M lists for watercraft and marine graphics. Apply it to a clean, dry, smooth surface and follow the film's instructions. Aluminum tubes should be cleaned and free of oxidation first.

Can I put a number on both tubes?

The rule asks for the number on each side of the forward half. That is usually one decal on the port side and one on the starboard side, not one per tube.

Checked 2026-10-13. Rules change, so confirm with your agency.