How To Identify Your Boat Engine's Year Of Make

Knowing the year of your boat engine is critical when it comes to repairs and ordering parts. While some engines clearly display the year on the engine itself, others require a bit more sleuthing. The Hull Identification Number (HIN), for example, can be found on the outermost starboard side of your transom, with the last two digits indicating the model year. If you live in a state that requires boat registration, you can also find the date of manufacture on the registration certificate. Additionally, the serial number or model number, typically found on the engine's mid-section, can be used to determine the year, although this varies by manufacturer.

Hull Identification Number (HIN)

A Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique identifier for a boat, much like a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for automobiles. Since 1972, all boats manufactured in or imported into the United States have been required to have a permanent HIN. The HIN is used to register the 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 is a combination of 12 letters and numbers, with the following information encoded within:

• Three letters that identify the manufacturer's identification code
• A five-character serial number
• The month and year of production

The specific format of the HIN has changed over the years. From 1972 to 1984, HINs were formatted as follows:

• Three letters identifying the manufacturer
• Five letters or numbers (serial number)
• Month and year of manufacture or date of certification
• Additional optional characters for the builder's purpose

Since August 1984, the HIN format has been standardised as:

• Three letters identifying the manufacturer
• Five letters or numbers (serial number)
• A letter representing the month, followed by the year of manufacture or date of certification
• The last two numbers of the model year

It is important to never deface, remove, or alter a boat's HIN, as it is a critical identifier for the vessel.

Engine model and serial number

The engine model and serial number are crucial pieces of information when it comes to boat engine maintenance, repairs, and replacements. These identification numbers help ensure that the correct parts are used for your specific engine make and model. While the model and serial numbers are typically found on a plate on the engine's mid-section, their specific locations vary depending on the engine manufacturer. Here is a detailed guide on where to find the model and serial numbers for different engine types:

Evinrude and Johnson Engines:

The model and serial number for Evinrude and Johnson engines can typically be found to the left of the motor mount. For engines manufactured since 1980, Evinrude uses a two-letter code at the end of the model number to indicate the year. For example, 'ED' at the end of VE70TLED indicates a 1996 model.

Mercury Engines:

The Mercury Marine serial number and model number can usually be found on the right side of the motor by the transom mount. The serial number for Mercury Outboards is located where the motor mounts to the boat.

Volvo-Penta Sterndrive Engines:

The engine serial number for Volvo-Penta Sterndrive engines depends on the specific model. For the SX-A model, the serial number is located on the back of the engine, while for the SX-M model, it is displayed on the side of the drive.

Mercruiser Sterndrive Engines:

The Mercruiser Sterndrive serial number can be found on the flame arrester in the engine compartment. Mercruiser engines use three identification numbers: the main serial number, the drive number, and the transom number. The drive number is located on the side of the motor and is crucial for maintenance and repair purposes. The transom number is needed for replacing parts in the gimbal housing or transom.

Yamaha Engines:

For Yamaha engines, the last letter of the model number indicates the year. For example, 'Y' in SX150TLRY1 indicates the model year 2000. However, Yamaha stopped including year information in the model number starting in 2005, and the production date can now be found on the transom bracket.

Suzuki Engines:

Similar to Yamaha, the last letter of Suzuki model numbers indicates the year. For instance, 'N' in DT40CRSN indicates the model year 1992.

Honda Engines:

Honda engine model numbers usually start with BF, followed by letters on the back of the motor, such as BF50. The serial number is typically in the form of "BXXX-XXXXXXX" and may be referred to as the product identification number.

Chrysler and Force Engines:

Neither Chrysler nor Force Outboard engine model numbers or serial numbers include year information. Refer to the manufacturer's serial number year chart to determine the corresponding year for your specific engine.

Manufacturer's tag

The manufacturer's tag, or serial number plate, is an essential source of information for boat owners. It provides the serial number, which is crucial for maintenance, documentation, financing, and insurance. While these plates are typically affixed directly to the engine, they can be placed in different locations, depending on the make and model of the engine. For example, a Mercruiser engine serial number can be found on the stickers on the sides of the plastic cowling, above the starter motor near the bell housing, or on the starboard side of the engine block. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with the specific locations where each manufacturer places their identification plates.

The serial number plate will also contain the model number, which can be used to determine the year of manufacture. Each manufacturer uses its own code to indicate the year within the model number. For example, Yamaha outboard motors manufactured between 1984 and 2004 will have a model number ending in a letter that corresponds to the year (e.g., 'Y' for 2000, 'Z' for 2001). After 2005, Yamaha changed the way they identify the manufacturing year, providing a separate stamp with the "MFG Date" on the transom bracket. Suzuki outboard model numbers also use the last letter to indicate the year of manufacture (e.g., 'N' for 1992).

Johnson outboard engines also use a two-letter code at the end of the model number to indicate the year, but the code changes depending on the year range. For engines manufactured between 1980 and the present, the two-letter code at the end of the model number corresponds to the year (e.g., 'CE' for 1989). For engines made between 1969 and 1979, the actual year can be found within the model number (e.g., 150TXL78 for a 150hp engine from 1978). Before 1969, refer to the Johnson serial number year chart.

Evinrude engines follow a similar pattern to Johnson engines. For engines manufactured from 1980 onwards, a two-letter code at the end of the model number indicates the year (e.g., 'ED' for 1996). Pre-1980 Evinrude engines will have the year indicated in the serial number, so refer to the Evinrude serial number year chart for those models.

Honda outboard model numbers follow a different format, with the model year code found within the model number. However, the specific method for determining the year from this code is not provided.

In summary, while the manufacturer's tag provides essential information for boat owners, the method for deciphering the year of manufacture varies depending on the brand and year of the engine. It is important to refer to the appropriate serial number year chart or decoder for your specific engine make and model to accurately determine the year of manufacture.

Registration certificate

A registration certificate is a document that displays the model year or date of manufacture of your boat engine. This document is issued by the state and is required for all mechanically-propelled vessels used on "Waters of this state". The "Waters of this state" is defined as any waters within the territorial limits of a state and the marginal sea adjacent to the state and the high seas when navigated as a part of a journey or ride to or from the shore of the state. This does not include privately-owned ponds or lakes that are not open to the public.

The registration certificate is one of two ways to find the manufacturing date of your boat engine without contacting the dealer. The other way is to physically inspect the engine.

The process of registering a boat varies depending on the location. For example, in the state of Georgia, boat owners must report the sale or transfer of their boat, or change of address within 15 days. There are three types of vessel registrations in Georgia: New Georgia Vessel Registration, Renewal Vessel Registration, and Transfer Vessel Registration. The registration fees are based on the length of the boat.

In the UK, boat registration is required for boats that will be used at sea. There are four different parts of the register: commercial or pleasure boats, fishing boats, small boats, and charter boats. The registration process can be done online or by post.

Dealer

As a dealer, you may often encounter customers who are unsure about the year of their boat engine. Here are some ways to help them determine the year:

Registration Certificate

In some states, such as Utah, Texas, Ohio, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Missouri, the model year or date of manufacture is clearly displayed on the registration certificate issued by the state. This is especially helpful for Honda outboard engines, as this may be one of the only ways to find the information without directly contacting a Honda dealer.

Motor Operator's Handbook

Suggest that your customers check their motor operator's handbook, as it may contain information about the engine's year. This handbook would have been provided by the dealer when the motor was new.

Manufacturer's Tag

Direct your customers to the motor's swivel bracket, where they can find an embossed or metalized tag or plate with the manufacturer's name boldly stamped at the top. This tag typically displays the year the motor was built or the model year, except for Honda engines.

Engine Block

Some popular outboard brands have the manufacturing year engraved on the top center of the engine block. Others may have this information on a tag, usually found on the right side of the engine block.

Model and Serial Numbers

For certain engine brands, the model and serial numbers can be used to determine the manufacturing year. For example, Johnson and Evinrude engines use a code where each letter in the model number corresponds to a number, with "S" representing "0" and "E" representing "9". So, a model number ending in "SE" indicates that the engine was manufactured in 2009. Additionally, for engines manufactured after 1980, brands like Yamaha and Suzuki use a two-letter code at the end of the model number to indicate the year.

Online Lookup

Although outboard parts websites have a "lookup capability," their primary purpose is to sell parts, and they may not always provide accurate or comprehensive information. Nevertheless, customers can try using these websites or contact you, their nearest dealer, for further assistance and expertise.

Frequently asked questions