NARRABEEN & NEWPORT · SYDNEY'S NORTHERN BEACHES
Sailing & Marine Signage
If you sail, race, or work on the water around Sydney's Northern Beaches, MTM Signage is your local specialist for custom marine signage. From class-legal sail numbers and skiff branding to yacht hull decals, boat name lettering, registration numbers, and marina wayfinding — produced from our Newport workshop.
We supply sailors, skiff crews, yacht clubs, charter operators, and marina facilities across Narrabeen, Newport, Manly, Mona Vale, Avalon, Pittwater, Palm Beach and greater Sydney.
WHAT WE DO
Marine Signage for Every Sailor
Four dedicated service areas, each with its own page. Click through for full details.
13ft, 16ft & 18ft Skiffs
Hull graphics, sail numbers & sponsor decals. Four branding styles available. View Service →
Yachts & Motorboats
Boat names, hull graphics, racing stripes, registration numbers. View Service →
Olympic Classes & Sail Numbers
Licensed class-legal sail branding. ILCA, 49er, 29er, Optimist & more. View Service →
Marina Signage
Berth numbers, wayfinding, safety signs, club & event signage. View Service →
SKIFFS
Sydney's skiff sailing specialist
MTM Signage is Newport-based and closely connected to the Sydney skiff sailing community. We produce precise, race-ready sail numbers and hull graphics for 13ft, 16ft and 18ft skiffs competing on Pittwater, Sydney Harbour, and beyond. We know these boats, we know what the class rules require, and we know what great branding looks like at speed.
Our skiff graphics are built from premium marine-grade vinyl, precision-cut and hand-applied for a clean finish that lasts race after race. We offer fast turnaround for sailors working to regatta deadlines — just let us know what you're up against.
Skiff branding styles
We offer four main branding options for skiff sails, each available as vinyl-only or with a painted base coat for a higher-contrast, more premium result:
Centre Band
Classic horizontal band with your branding. Clean and readable from the water.
Diagonal Strike
Corner-to-corner layout. Bold and eye-catching in the fleet.
Centre Band + Paint Base
Custom base coat first, vinyl over the top. Bold, high-contrast finish.
Diagonal Strike + Paint Base
Diagonal with painted base. High-impact on and off the water.
Sponsor decals for skiff crews
Sponsorship is a big part of skiff sailing culture, and your boat's presentation matters to sponsors as much as your results. We produce sponsor decals to exact size and colour specifications, applied cleanly and consistently across hull, boom, mast, and sails. If you're pitching to a new sponsor or renewing an existing one, a well-branded boat makes the conversation easier.
SAIL STICKERS
Licensed supplier of class-legal sail branding
MTM Signage is a licensed supplier of class-legal sail branding. Sail numbers and insignia we produce meet the specifications set by relevant class associations — covering size, font, placement, colour, and contrast. Racing with non-compliant markings puts you at risk of a protest, so working with a licensed supplier is worth the peace of mind.
We supply sail numbers for a wide range of one-design classes including ILCA (formerly Laser), 49er & 49er FX, 29er, and Optimist. We also produce sail numbers for club racing, social sailing, and development programmes.
What are sail numbers and who needs them?
A sail number is the unique identifier assigned to your boat within its racing class. Displayed on the mainsail, it allows race committees, officials, and competitors to identify your vessel during racing. In Australian sailing, sail numbers are typically allocated through your class association or Australian Sailing at the time of registration.
Once you have your allocated number, you need it produced and applied to your sail according to the class specification. MTM Signage handles the production and can advise on placement and sizing for your class.
Australian Sailing → for class membership and number allocation
Olympic class sail branding
Racing at Olympic class level means every detail is scrutinised. We produce accurate sail numbers, country codes, and national flags that meet strict class rules — as supplied to athletes in the Australian Sailing Team and squad. Our materials are chosen for precision, durability, and consistent performance under race conditions.
YACHTS & MOTORBOATS
Boat name decals and transom lettering
Your boat's name is part of its identity — on the water and at the dock. A well-designed, professionally applied boat name decal reflects the care you put into your vessel. We produce boat name decals in vinyl lettering for transoms, hulls, and tenders, available in a wide range of fonts, colours, and finishes including metallic and reflective options.
Custom boat name decals can be as simple as clean typographic lettering in a classic font, or as detailed as a full-colour design with logos and custom colour-matching to your hull. Either way, we use marine-grade vinyl rated for prolonged exposure to UV, salt spray, and water.
Hull graphics and racing stripes
Beyond the name, many yacht owners want racing stripes, coachroof graphics, or full branding packages that tie together the hull, sails, and crew kit. We produce full hull graphic packages for racing yachts, including number boards, sponsor panels, and custom artwork.
For all yachts, we produce registration numbers, hull graphics, and custom liveries. Our cast vinyl conforms to curved hull surfaces without lifting or bubbling, and is available in a wide range of colours.
Registration numbers
NSW Maritime requires all registered vessels to display registration numbers in a specific size and font. We produce clear, compliant registration numbers that meet requirements and look clean on any hull colour.
MARINA SIGNAGE
Berth numbers and wayfinding
A well-signed marina is easier and safer to navigate — for regular berth holders, visiting yachts, and guests who've never been before. We design and produce marina wayfinding systems including berth numbers, directional signs for amenities and facilities, entry and exit signs, and emergency equipment location markers.
All exterior marina signs are produced in materials rated for coastal conditions. We use aluminium composite (ACP), marine-grade substrates, and UV-laminated digital print to ensure signs stay legible and presentable for years, even in a harsh waterfront environment.
We've completed signage projects at Berowra Waters Marina and Church Point Marina — both requiring durable, professional results.
Safety and compliance signage
Commercial marinas, charter operators, and boating facilities are required by law to display specific safety information — fire extinguisher locations, life ring positions, emergency contacts, fuel handling instructions, and passenger safety notices. We produce compliant safety signs to the correct specifications.
If you're not sure what your facility is required to display, we can advise based on the relevant NSW Maritime and Australian Standards requirements. Getting compliance signage right protects your staff, your customers, and your operating licence.
NSW Maritime → for vessel registration and marina compliance requirements
Yacht club & sailing club signage
Clubs hosting regattas, open days, and presentation nights need event signage that matches the quality of the occasion. We supply:
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Pull-up and retractable banners for registration and briefing areas
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Vinyl banners for course mark boats and committee vessels
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Sponsor recognition banners and display boards
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Corflute directional signs for car parks and public access routes
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Printed event branding for presentation evenings
We also supply club flags and pennants in UV-stable polyester with reinforced edges and brass eyelets, and apparel graphics for club kit and race team uniforms.
MATERIALS
5. Materials: what we use and why it matters
Marine-grade vinyl for decals and sail graphics
Not all vinyl is created equal. Standard signage vinyl degrades quickly in the marine environment — fading, lifting, and peeling under UV exposure, salt spray, and repeated immersion. For all our marine decal and sail graphics work, we use vinyl specifically rated for the demands of life on the water:
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UV-stabilised to resist colour fade in Australian sun
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Salt-water resistant for coastal and offshore use
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Flexible enough to conform to curved hull surfaces and move with a sail
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Pressure-sensitive adhesive rated for above- and below-waterline application
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Available in a wide range of colours, including metallic and reflective finishes
Rigid signs: aluminium composite and marine-grade substrates
For marina wayfinding, safety signs, and club signage, we use aluminium composite panel (ACP) as our primary substrate. It's lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and holds printed graphics without warping or fading — exactly what a coastal environment demands. For signs that need to flex or conform to a surface, PVC foam board is an alternative we use in lower-exposure applications.
A note on design and files
MTM Signage doesn't have an in-house design team, but we have a clear process to make sure clients get what they need. We provide guidance and templates for straightforward layouts. For complex designs, we work with trusted local designers and can connect you with the right person. Supplying your artwork as a vector file (AI, EPS, or PDF with outlined text) gives us the best possible starting point.
DIY GUIDE
6. Removing old decals & preparing for new graphics
How to remove old boat decals
If you're refreshing your hull graphics or buying a second-hand boat, old vinyl needs to come off cleanly before new graphics can go on. Vinyl left under new decals causes bubbling, lifting edges, and an uneven finish that no amount of careful application will fix. The best approach for most boat owners:
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Use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the decal until the adhesive softens.
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Peel slowly from one corner, keeping the angle low to avoid tearing.
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Remove adhesive residue with a citrus-based remover — avoid solvent-based products on painted surfaces without testing first.
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Clean thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol and allow to dry completely before applying new graphics.
Take care on older gelcoat — if the surface is chalky or the paint is fragile, aggressive removal can cause damage. If you're unsure, ask us before you start.
Surface preparation for long-lasting results
The longevity of any marine decal depends as much on surface preparation as on the quality of the vinyl. Before any application, the surface should be:
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Clean — free of salt, grease, wax, and polish residue
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Dry — no moisture in the application area
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Smooth — rough or oxidised gelcoat should be addressed first
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Wax-free — clean with isopropyl alcohol immediately before application
We're always happy to advise on preparation. If you're bringing your boat to us, we'll assess the surface and let you know if any prep is needed before we start.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before getting in touch.
We produce branding for 13ft, 16ft, and 18ft skiffs — the classes we know best from our base in on the Northern Beaches, close to the heart of Sydney's skiff sailing community. We understand the specific requirements of each class and can advise on size, placement, and branding styles. For other skiff classes or development class boats, just get in touch and we'll confirm whether we can help before you commit to an order.
What skiff classes do you produce branding for?
What are sail numbers and how do I get one?
A sail number is the unique identifier assigned to your boat within its racing class. In Australia, sail numbers are allocated through your class association or Australian Sailing when you register your boat. Once you have your number, you need it produced and applied to your sail according to the class specification. MTM Signage is a licensed supplier of class-legal sail branding and can produce your numbers once you have your allocated number. If you're unsure about the process, your class association is the best starting point.
Are you really a licensed supplier of class-legal sail branding?
Yes. MTM Signage is a licensed supplier of class-legal sail branding for sail pages. The sail numbers and insignia we produce meet the specifications required by relevant class associations — covering size, font, placement, and colour. This matters for racing sailors, because non-compliant markings can result in a protest. We've supplied sail branding to athletes in the Australian Sailing Team and squad, so you can trust the accuracy of our work.
Can I design my own boat decal?
Absolutely — many of our clients come to us with a finished design or a name and style preference, and we take it from there. If you have a vector file (AI or EPS format) or a high-resolution PDF, that gives us the best starting point. If you have a concept but no design file, we can connect you with trusted local designers who can turn your idea into print-ready artwork. We don't have an in-house design team, but we guide every client through the process and won't start production until you're happy with how things look.
What materials are best for durable marine signage?
For boat decals, hull graphics, and sail stickers, marine-grade pressure-sensitive vinyl is the standard — it's UV-stable, salt-water resistant, and flexible enough to conform to curved surfaces. For rigid signs at marinas, yacht clubs, and coastal facilities, aluminium composite panel (ACP) is the right substrate — lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and long-lasting in coastal conditions. Avoid standard indoor vinyl or paper-based products for anything in a marine environment. We use the right material for every application and won't cut corners on spec.
How much do custom boat decals cost?
Pricing depends on size, design complexity, and quantity. A simple boat name in single-colour cut vinyl can start from around $90 for a standard transom size. Full-colour printed decals with artwork cost more, and full hull graphic packages are priced on application based on boat size and design. The best way to get an accurate price is to contact us with a description of what you need, a photo of your boat, and the approximate dimensions of the area. We'll give you a clear, no-obligation quote. If budget is a concern, tell us upfront and we'll work with you on options.
Do you work with yacht clubs and marina operators, not just individual sailors?
Yes — we work with clubs, marinas, sailing schools, and charter operators as well as individual sailors and boat owners. We've completed projects at Berowra Waters Marina, Church Point Marina, and Manly Yacht Club, among others. Our services for clubs and marinas include safety and compliance signs, wayfinding systems, berth numbering, event banners, sponsor displays, club flags, and apparel graphics. If you're a club or marina looking to refresh your signage, get in touch and we'll talk through what you need.
What areas do you service for marine signage?
We're based in Narrabeen with our production workshop in Newport, and we regularly work across Sydney's Northern Beaches — Newport, Pittwater, Manly, Mona Vale, Avalon, Palm Beach, Dee Why, and Brookvale. We also take on projects across greater Sydney. For standard marine decals and sail stickers, we ship Australia-wide through our online shop. If you're not sure whether we cover your area, just ask — we're happy to advise.
Ready to get your project started?
Whether you need class-legal sail numbers before your next regatta, skiff hull graphics for a new season sponsor, a custom boat name for a new vessel, or safety and wayfinding signs for your marina — MTM Signage is ready to help. Newport workshop. Free quotes within one business day.