I was told that I need to some how have my documentation numbers in mounted to the hull in the bilge area. What will the coast guard except and what will I need. I've been planning a lot of trips on the great lakes so I'm sure I'll get stopped since I don't have any OH numbers on the hull.

We used to write it on the Glass of the hull with permanent Marker, Then glass over with one thin layer of Vail cloth. It needs to be seen & be Permanent. They usually don't like anything removable.

Stick-on vinyl registration numbers, and some clear spray paint over the top. Mask off just a small area about 2" around the numbers, and only paint that one spot.

Does the clear spray paint come in a aerosol can or is it clear coat for a gun.

Just clear spray paint from Home Depot or Lowes or the like; Rustoleum. All it needs to do is prevent you from easily getting your fingernails under the edge of the number, and will leave a trace if someone ever peeled the number off.

Can I put the numbers on the white under the engine hatch or does it need to go on the grey near the battery terminals?

Not on the engine hatch but just above the exhaust.

Just put them on the side of your hull like OH numbers. Look plush

Valspar & American Accents both make a good clear top coat and UV resistant in a rattle can. Just make sure it's lacquer based paint not water based.

I went to Quality Stainless Steel USCG Documentation plaque - DocumentedVessel.com and ordered one of their plates. Looks awesome. Added some 5200 and stuck it to the side.