Putting a 'name' on the H16 sails with vinyl lettering

I'd like to 'name' my 2015 H16, and have a sign-maker cut some black vinyl lettering, to be stuck onto the mainsail.

Are there any suggested "do's" or "don'ts"?

_________________
2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

A hard, flat floor, that's larger than the area you need to put the decal on is almost mandatory. Get the sail as flat as you can get it. You only get one shot at not getting wrinkles, or bubbles in the decal. Extra hands on the sail help a lot. You can't pull it back off, and reposition. Use a new plastic squeegee. Pull the backing off as close to the sail as you can-not straight up.

The worst job is putting a large decal on a spinnaker.

TY
These guys did a great job on my Pentex mainsail on my old SX18.
Now I'll give them the work for my sweet H16.

cheers!

_________________
2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

Have it cut from insignia cloth, not vinyl. Vinyl shrinks and cracks over time.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks Matt

_________________
2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

If you are placing decals on both sides, offset the placement such that there is no overlap. Otherwise when the sail is backlit the numbers/letters become gibberish.

While Insignia cloth is the way to go, our closest supplier is a 2 1/2 hour drive away, and he is loathe to assemble a 'small' order for the amount I would require.
He suggested that because we store the sails in a shed when not sailing, that vinyl would do just as well.

If we sailed on the Gulf Coast, on on the Columbia River Gorge, yes, I'd be out 12 months a year, and I'd probably be closer to a Sailing Centre.....

_________________
2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'