Originally Posted by
f_inscreenname
Maybe the first couple ...maybe......but they had to keep track of inventory some how and that's the only reason there is any numbers on any boat prior to 1972. I bet you are going to have a hard time finding them even if I was to point to them for you. I have mine cut out and on a coffee table in my basement. Without a true white light and photo shop I would have never figured them out. It also took about 10 pictures at different angles so the light would reflect differently. One picture would confirm one number and then another would confirm another and so forth.
While pulling up a picture to show you it dawned on me a clue that may help you. Notice the fiberglass cloth over the roven. They put the cloth over the numbers to protect the magic marker they ID'ed the hull with.