Checking Boat Engine History: What You Need To Know

Boats are a profitable target for scammers and thieves as they are easier to strip for parts and resell than cars. There are no national figures for how many boat engines are stolen each year, but it is estimated to be more than 800. If you are buying a used boat, it is important to check that the boat and its parts are not stolen. To do this, you can check the legitimacy of the motor by examining all registrations, titles, maintenance records, purchase receipts, and build sheets to ensure all numbers match. You can also contact your local titling and registration agency, such as the DMV or DNR, to verify the documents are in the correct format and have the right seals. Additionally, you can check the Hull Identification Number (HIN) which is generally located on the transom of most runabouts and small boats and has 12 characters. If you have the serial number of the engine, you can also check this against an online database of stolen engines.

Check the engine's serial number

Checking the engine's serial number is a crucial step in determining if a boat motor has been stolen. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Locate the Serial Number: The serial number of a boat motor can usually be found on a decal, plate, or metal tag near the motor mount for outboard engines. For inboard engines, the serial number is typically located on a metal tag affixed directly to the engine's block, and there may also be a casting number cast into the block. The exact location can vary depending on the model and manufacturer, so it's a good idea to consult the manufacturer if you're unsure.

Examine the Serial Number Format: Contact the motor's manufacturer to confirm how they organise their serial numbers. Each manufacturer may have a unique format, and knowing this can help you spot potential alterations or discrepancies. If the serial number doesn't match the manufacturer's format, it may be a sign that the motor has been stolen.

Cross-Reference with Documentation: Gather all relevant documentation, including titles, registrations, maintenance records, purchase receipts, and build sheets. Compare the serial numbers on these documents with the serial number on the engine. If they don't match, it could indicate that the motor has been tampered with or stolen.

Check for Alterations: Look for any signs of tampering with the serial number, such as scratched numbers, dirty or missing serial number stickers, or residue from missing registration decals. If the serial number appears to have been altered, it is a significant red flag, and the motor may be stolen.

Verify with Online Tools: Use online tools such as BoatHistoryReport.com or Boat-Alert.com to verify the serial number. These websites can provide a boat history report, including information on theft or other issues. Additionally, you can contact your local law enforcement agency to check their national database using the serial number.

By following these steps and carefully examining the engine's serial number, you can significantly reduce the risk of purchasing a stolen boat motor and protect yourself from legal and financial consequences. Remember, if you have any doubts or suspicions, it's always best to err on the side of caution and refrain from purchasing the boat.

Verify the Hull Identification Number (HIN)

Verifying the Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a crucial step in ensuring that a boat is not stolen. The HIN serves as a unique identifier for a boat, similar to a vehicle identification number for cars. Since 1972, all boats manufactured in or imported into the United States have been required to have a HIN. This number typically consists of 12 characters, including letters and numerals, and is permanently affixed to the boat.

To verify the HIN, you should first locate it. The HIN is usually found on the transom of the boat, often on the starboard side, in the upper right corner. On fibreglass boats, the HIN may be moulded into the hull itself by the manufacturer. If the boat was manufactured after August 1, 1984, it should also have a hidden identification number placed in an unexposed location inside the boat.

Once you have located the HIN, you can verify its validity by comparing it to federal standards. The HIN should include the manufacturer's code, a production number, and the production date or model year. It may also contain optional prefixes and suffixes, separated by dashes, which provide additional information such as the country of manufacture. It is important to ensure that the HIN on the boat matches the one on its registration and title documents. Any evidence of tampering or alteration to the HIN should be a cause for concern and further investigation.

You can also use online resources, such as Boat-Alert.com, to verify the HIN by entering it into their search tool. This will provide basic registration details for free, and a more detailed history report for a fee. Additionally, you can contact local law enforcement or a reputable document search service to assist you in verifying the HIN and ensuring that the boat is not stolen.

Examine registration and serial numbers

If you're buying a used boat, it's important to check its registration and serial numbers to ensure that it's not stolen. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:

Examine the Hull Identification Number (HIN):

The HIN is often referred to as the boat's fingerprint. It is a unique identifier that helps in tracking and recovering stolen vessels. The HIN is usually located on the transom of most small boats and runabouts. It consists of 12 characters, and you can use it to get a boat history report to check for any issues like accidents, damage, or theft.

When checking the HIN, pay attention to any signs of tampering or altering. A common way for thieves to change the HIN is by repainting over the original number and applying a new one. Look for a new gel coat, fresh paint, or scratched numbers, as these could indicate that the HIN has been altered.

Check the Registration Numbers:

Registration numbers are usually displayed on the forward half of the hull, above the waterline, on either side of the boat. These numbers are typically in block-style letters or numerals, with a minimum height requirement for visibility. Check if the registration numbers match the information on the boat's title and registration documents.

Feel for any residue or adhesive left by previous stickers or numbers. Boat owners often use adhesive letters for registration numbers, and the marine-grade adhesive can leave a residue that is difficult to remove. This could indicate that the registration numbers have been changed.

Verify the Serial Numbers:

Serial numbers are found on both inboard and outboard engines. For outboard engines, the serial number is typically located on a decal or plate near the motor mount. Inboard engines usually have the serial number on a metal tag affixed directly to the engine's block, with an additional casting number cast into the block.

Contact the manufacturer to confirm their serial number format. If the serial number on the engine doesn't match the manufacturer's format, it may have been obtained through illicit means.

Cross-Reference with Online Databases:

After checking the physical numbers on the boat and engine, you can use online tools to verify their legitimacy further. Websites like Boat-Alert.com and MarineTitle.com offer boat history reports and stolen boat registry searches. Additionally, the CGMIX Coast Guard Port State Information Exchange allows you to search for Coast Guard-documented vessels using their Hull Identification Numbers or Official Numbers.

Contact Authorities:

If, at any point, you suspect that the boat or engine is stolen, do not confront the seller. Instead, document your findings and report your suspicions to local law enforcement. They have access to national databases and can help you determine if the boat or engine has been reported stolen.

Remember, it's crucial to thoroughly examine all registration and serial numbers, cross-reference with online tools, and involve law enforcement if you have any doubts. These steps will help protect you from scams and ensure that you're making a legitimate purchase.

Look for signs of tampering

When examining a boat engine for signs of tampering, it is important to be thorough and vigilant. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Firstly, it is crucial to understand the common methods used by thieves to alter or disguise a boat engine's identity. Thieves may attempt to replace the engine's sticker with a fake one or alter the serial and registration numbers. They may also try to forge government documents, such as registration and titles. Therefore, you should carefully examine all documentation, including titles, registrations, maintenance records, purchase receipts, and build sheets. Ensure that all numbers match and are legitimate. Check with your local titling and registration agency to verify the format and seals of the documents. Pay close attention to the registration number, engine serial number, and hull identification number.

Now, let's focus on the physical inspection of the engine. Look for any signs of tampering with the Hull Identification Number (HIN). The HIN is typically located on the transom of small boats and runabouts. Thieves may try to obscure or alter this number by removing the old HIN and painting over it or applying a new gel coat. Fresh paint or a newly applied gel coat may be a red flag. If the boat falls under the homemade boat provision and does not have a HIN, thoroughly inspect the hull for any manufacturing or branding marks, as these should raise suspicion.

Next, examine the engine's serial number. For outboard engines, the serial number will typically be on a plate or decal near the motor mount. For inboard engines, you may need to look for a metal tag attached directly to the engine's block. There may also be a casting number cast directly into the block, which is different from the serial number. Contact the manufacturer to understand their serial number format. If the engine's serial number deviates from the manufacturer's format, it may be a stolen engine.

Additionally, be vigilant for any signs of tampering with registration numbers. Every country has a different format for registration numbers, so ensure you are familiar with your area's format. Look for any residue from previous stickers or adhesive letters used for registration numbers. Run your hand along the area to feel for any discrepancies. If the registration number is from a different state or country, exercise caution, as this could be a red flag.

Finally, pay attention to the smallest details. As minor defects may indicate more significant issues, trust your instincts. If you notice several small discrepancies or refurbished parts, assume there might be a problem. Details like the dates of manufacture and the consistency of the engine, motor, and trailer's manufacturing dates are important. If they are original, they should be from around the same time period.

Contact the manufacturer

If you are considering buying a used boat, it is important to check that its engine is not stolen. One way to do this is to contact the engine manufacturer and confirm the format of their serial numbers.

Serial numbers are found on boat motors (inboard and outboard engines). For outboard engines, the serial number will be located on a decal or plate near the motor mount. For inboard engines, the serial number will usually be found on a metal tag affixed directly to the engine block. There will also be a casting number cast into the engine block.

If the serial number on the boat engine you are considering buying does not match the format used by the manufacturer, it has likely been obtained through illicit means. In this case, you should not buy the engine and you should inform local law enforcement.

You can also check for scratched numbers, dirty or missing serial number stickers, and residue from missing registration decals. These can be signs that the serial number has been altered and that the engine is stolen.

Additionally, you should thoroughly examine all registrations, titles, maintenance records, purchase receipts, and build sheets to ensure that all numbers match. You can also contact your local titling and registration agency, such as the DMV or DNR, to verify that the documents are in the correct format and have the right seals.

If you are buying a used boat, it is important to be cautious and do your due diligence to avoid purchasing a stolen engine. Contacting the engine manufacturer to confirm the serial number format is a key step in this process.

Frequently asked questions