both sides of the bow
on both sides of the forward half of the boat
Where must registration number be displayed
On both sides at the bow. There is a lettering height and size requirement, information which would be available from the US Coast Guard.
Bow
both sides of the bow
Kayak
Yes a jet ski has to have a Validation decal fixed to the bow. I will paste a web site on here for more information. Validation Decals The registration number and validation decals must be displayed as follows. * Number must be painted, decaled, or otherwise affixed to each side of the bow on the forward half of the boat, placed to be clearly visible. * Number must read from left to right on both sides of the boat. * Number must be in bold, BLOCK letters, at least 3-inches high. * Number's color must contrast with its background. * Letters must be separated from the numbers by a 3 to 4 inch space or a hyphen. For example: MN 3717 ZW or MN-3717-ZW. * No other number, letter, design, or insignia may appear within 24 inches of the registration number or the validation decals. * Validation decals must be affixed on both sides of the bow, placed to the stern or rear of the registration number within four inches of the number. Only decals that are current may be visible, so remove expired decals before applying new ones. Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, rowing shells, paddle boats, sailboards, and sailboats must display the validation decal on each side of the forward half of the boat, but are not required to display the registration number. On non-motorized sailboards and sailboats, you may place the decals on the stern if it is impossible, because of the boat's design, to place them on the bow. PWCs are also required to display the registration number and validation decals
on each side of the forward half of the vessel
a sailboat
10-foot boat with a trolling motor
Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Texas, you must have a Texas Certificate of Number (registration card) and validation decals to operate your vessel legally on public waters. The only exceptions are:A sailboat under 14 feet in lengthNon-motorized vessels such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and rubber raftsVessels registered in other states and using Texas waters for 90 consecutive days or less
The CF that is displayed on boats in California is followed by numbers and is the registration number. All boats in California are required to be registered.