I used an imitation gold leaf stick-on name and graphic (of a boy on a dolphin - aka Arion) on either side of the bow, and it was still there 15 years later although the gold had tarnished a little.  It looked really spectacular.  An artist friend did a little sketch for me, the company scanned it into their computer then laser cut the name and drawing out of sticky-backed vinyl.  Putting it on straight requires some finesse but is not really hard.  It looked just as good as any painted sign.  I doubt if anyone could tell the difference.  I now have the name and registration in white letters at the back of the boat, also using stick-on transfers, and they look just as good.  Nobody could guess if the name was painted or stuck on.  If you do paint it on it might be nice to get a stencil cut so you can redo it easily yourself, which is the main advantage of the stick-on option.

Gary Pick wrote:I could still write up a good sized list of jobs I can do. I'm also waiting on various people to do jobs for me, such as sternrail mods, name painting and repairing my driveway. I'm also waiting on a local earth moving business to give me a quote on transporting the boat to the water.

For the name, registration, etc, try a company that makes computer-generated and cut adhesive signs. There seems to be one in every town. Mine were guanteed for 5 years, and they are fine after 12 years. Better than painting, I think.

Perhaps I should'nt have told David Malliemac's launch is imminent. True, she could go into the water now but I still want to finish some jobs which are better done whilst ashore. Problem is I need a few days dry weather. Is that too much to ask? it seems that it is this year in the UK. For imminent read a few days as soon as the weather permits. It has been a most frustrating summer with hardly two dry days together or so it seems.

I was wiring in and fitting switches for the galley and wc exhaust fans today and I got to thinking about the incredible amount of wiring a 24 foot boat consumes and the shear number of connections that can go wrong with a bit of time and corrosion.Wiring in and fitting switches for the galley and wc exhaust fans today and I got to thinking about the incredible amount of wiring a 24 foot boat consumes and the shear number of connections that can go wrong with a bit of time and corrosion.
5 weeks to go and there's still a few unanswered questions and bits of work to do with between here and the water.

Thanks Gary...  Where are you on your project?  Hope you are close to trials....