Identifying Boat Types: Decoding Hull Numbers

If you're looking to buy a boat, it's important to know how to identify its specifications and history. One of the most crucial elements of a boat title search is the Hull Identification Number (HIN). This unique identifier is like a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for cars and is used to identify each boat. Since 1972, all boats manufactured in or imported to the US have been required by federal law to have a HIN. This 12- or 14-character serial number is typically found at the stern of the boat, on the transom, and is used for registration and tracking the boat's history. So, if you're wondering about a boat's make and model, the HIN can give you a wealth of information.

Hull Identification Number (HIN)

Since 1972, all boats manufactured in or imported into the United States have been required by federal law to have a Hull Identification Number (HIN) permanently marked on them. The HIN is a unique identifier, much like a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for cars. It is used to register your boat and track its history.

The HIN is typically located at the stern of the boat, on the starboard side of the transom, or as close to that area as possible. It consists of 12 letters and numbers, at least a quarter-inch tall, and follows a specific format:

• Manufacturer's Identification Code (MIC): The first three letters of the HIN are assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard and identify the boat's manufacturer.
• Serial Number: The next five characters are a combination of letters and numbers assigned by the manufacturer as the hull serial number. The letters "I," "O," and "Q" are excluded to prevent confusion with the numbers 1 and 0.
• Month and Year of Production/Certification: The following letter represents the month of certification, with "A" indicating January and "L" representing December. The subsequent number indicates the last digit of the year of certification, which may not always be the same as the year of manufacture.
• Model Year: The final two digits represent the last two numbers of the boat's model year.

When buying a used boat, it is important to verify the HIN matches the seller's documents. Additionally, ensure that you do not deface, remove, or alter the HIN in any way.

Manufacturer's Identification Code (MIC)

Manufacturers Identification Code (MIC)

The Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC) is a unique code assigned to each boat manufacturer. MIC codes are issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and are used to identify the manufacturer of a boat, canoe, kayak, or jet ski. The MIC is typically the first three characters of a boat's Hull Identification Number (HIN), which is a 12-character identification number permanently affixed to the hull of all recreational boats manufactured in or imported to the United States since 1972.

The HIN serves several important purposes. It is used by states for titling and registration, by the USCG for tracking boat recalls and inspection reports, and by law enforcement to identify lost or stolen boats. The HIN also provides valuable information for boat buyers and owners, such as the boat's production number or serial number, the month and year it was built, and the model year.

In the United States, the MIC was initially allowed to contain numbers as well as letters, but now consists of only alphabetical characters. The Water Craft Identification Number (WIN), used in the UK, is a 14-digit code that includes a two-letter country code followed by the MIC, which in this context is referred to as the Manufacturer's Identity Code. The UK's MIC register is maintained by British Marine on behalf of the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Hull number formatting

Hull identification numbers (HINs) are permanent markings used to identify boats. They are similar to the vehicle identification numbers given to automobiles. In the US, all boats manufactured in or imported into the country since 1972 are required to have a HIN.

The HIN is made up of 12 characters, including both numbers and letters. Each HIN is unique and includes the boat's serial number, as well as other indicators. Here is a breakdown of the HIN format:

• The first three letters are the Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC) assigned by the US Coast Guard.
• The next 5 numbers and/or letters are the serial number assigned to the hull by the manufacturer. The letters "I", "O", and "Q" are excluded because they could be mistaken for numbers.
• The next letter indicates the month in which the boat was certified, which may not be the same as the month of manufacture. The letters do not match the first letters of the names of the months. For example, "A" represents January, "D" represents April, and "L" represents December.
• The next number is the last digit of the year in which the boat was certified. This may not be the same as the year of manufacture but indicates when the boat was certified to meet Coast Guard regulations.
• The final two digits indicate the year of the hull model.

It is important to note that boats built before 1984 may have HINs that follow a different format, such as the Straight Year Format or Model Year Format. Additionally, the HIN may be prefixed by a country code, resulting in a longer total character count.

Hull number placement

Hull identification numbers (HINs) are important for identifying individual vessels and are used to register your boat and track its history. They are also used for insurance and warranty purposes, as well as for determining the resale and trade-in value of a boat.

The HIN is usually located at the stern of the boat, on the starboard side of the transom, or as close to that area as possible. The transom is the flat surface at the back of the boat, and it is a common spot for the hull number as it is easily accessible and provides a convenient location for the number to be displayed. The hull number might be embossed or etched into the surface, or it could be placed on a sticker or plate.

In some cases, the hull number may also be displayed on the bow of the boat, which is the front of the boat. The hull number might be placed on a plate or sticker and may be less prominent than the transom number.

For boats manufactured or imported to the United States after November 1, 1972, the HIN is required by federal law and must be permanently affixed to the boat. The HIN is typically 12 characters long and includes letters and numbers. The first three characters are letters indicating the manufacturer's index code, followed by a unique serial number assigned by the manufacturer, and ending with the certification year and month or model year designation.

It is important to note that the HIN should never be defaced, removed, or altered. If you are having trouble locating the HIN, you can refer to the builder's plate, registration documents, or the manufacturer's website for verification.

Hull number corrections

Hull identification numbers (HINs) are crucial elements of boat title searches or transactions. They are used to identify each boat, much like a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is used for automobiles. HINs are also used to register a boat, track its history, and recover stolen vessels.

Boat hull identification numbers typically enter the public domain upon the issuance of a Manufacturer Statement of Origin (MSO) or a Builder's Certification. These documents are effectively a boat's first title and any corrections must come in the form of a written statement from the manufacturer. If the manufacturer is no longer in business, an affidavit along with supporting evidence from the current owner will usually suffice.

In the case of government-issued hull numbers, any errors or omissions must be rectified by the respective agency. If there are contested issues, it may ultimately take a court ruling to settle the matter.

For boats manufactured before 1972, there were no federal requirements for hull number assignments. If you have an older boat without a HIN, or if the HIN has been removed or is missing, you can apply for a new one from the USCG. If your boat has an old HIN and you apply for a new one, you must attach the new HIN above the old one so that both are visible.

It is illegal to alter or remove a HIN without the express written authorization of the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. HINs are typically engraved, burned, stamped, embossed, molded, or bonded directly onto the boat, or indicated on a plate attached to the boat. They are usually found at the stern of the boat, on the starboard side of the transom or in that general area.

The HIN is a unique identifier and is used for safety verification, tracking, and documentation. It is an important tool for boat owners, manufacturers, and government agencies alike.

Frequently asked questions