I want to paint my helmet to match my boat colors while conforming with APBA rules about helmet paint needing to be the right colors on the upper 50% of the helmet. What solid colors are legal for the upper 50% and can you get away with SOME minor graphics on the upper 50%. I use Billy B's example of a helmet paint job because it looks very cool. Can I get away with something like this with APBA??http://www.***boat.com/image_center/...a_2006_129.jpg
I would have to say, if you stick with "Traffic Cone" Orange, you should be safe. The reason they want you to have the bright color is so if you crash, the rescue team can see you, as well as the other drivers. I am sure there are even more specific, and in-depth reasons why APBA wants the helmets to be painted the way they are, but I would think it is just common sense. You want people to see you when you're in the water, especially if you are unconscious.
Think about it, if you had blue, or white even that is going to be harder to see in choppy conditions, than orange, yellow, or red.
I would say hold off on the painting of the helmet until you have a season or so under your belt.