Aluminum Boat Vin: Where To Look And Find

If you're looking to buy a pre-owned aluminium boat, it's crucial to understand the vessel's history and authenticity. This is where the Hull Identification Number (HIN) comes in. The HIN is like a boat's unique DNA, providing essential information such as the manufacturer, model, and year of production. For aluminium boats, the HIN is typically found on the transom, the vertical section at the rear of the boat, on the starboard (right) side, often above the motor mount. It is strategically placed in an unexposed location to prevent tampering and potential water damage. By running a HIN check, you can access a wealth of information, including ownership changes, incidents, and repairs, helping you make an informed decision about the boat's condition, value, and safety.

The VIN may be on the tongue of the trailer

It is important to check that the VIN number matches what is stated on the trailer's registration and insurance documents, as fraudsters may forge the VIN to conceal the vehicle's past. Additionally, if you are purchasing a trailer, it is recommended to perform a trailer VIN lookup to check for any theft record and to authenticate that the VIN is legitimate. This can also provide you with detailed information about the trailer's history, including any accidents, damages, or recalls.

If you are still unable to locate the VIN on the tongue of the trailer, it may be helpful to look in other common locations, such as under the propane tanks, under the front or rear end of the trailer, on the entry screen door, or in an outside storage compartment. Remember that there is no standard location for the VIN on a trailer, so it may take some searching to locate it.

It could be on the starboard side, under the bunk

If you're looking for the VIN on an aluminium boat, it could be on the starboard side, under the bunk. This is the case for a SunTracker pontoon trailer, according to a user on the forum TinBoats.net.

The starboard side of a boat is the right-hand side, looking forward. The bunk is the area at the back of the trailer where the boat sits. So, if you're standing at the back of the trailer, looking forward, the VIN should be on the right-hand side, underneath the boat.

It's worth noting that the VIN on a boat is also known as the BHN (Boat Hull Number) or HIN (Hull Identification Number). These numbers are usually found on the transom, which is the flat surface at the back of the boat, but they can also be found in other locations, such as inside compartments or under the rub rail.

If you're having trouble finding the VIN, it may be because it's been worn off or the plate has fallen off or been removed. This is common on older boats, especially those made before 1972. If you still can't locate the VIN, you may need to contact your local DMV or DNR to find out the process for getting a new VIN assigned.

Check for a barcode and VIN decal

When looking for the barcode and VIN decal on an aluminium boat, there are several places you can check.

Firstly, the VIN should be located on the transom on the starboard side. The first three characters of the Hull Identification Number (HIN) or boat VIN designate the manufacturer of the boat and are called the Manufacturer's Identification Code (MIC). This code is assigned by the US Coast Guard.

If you are unable to locate the VIN on the transom, it may be located elsewhere on the boat. Check under the rub rail and inside all compartments, as some boats have a secondary HIN number. If the boat is older, it may not have a VIN at all. Boats made before 1972 often had an aluminium plate with numbers that wore off or fell off over time. If the boat was manufactured after 1984, it is more likely to have a secondary HIN number.

In some cases, the VIN may be located on a decal or sticker, which can wear off or fade over time. If the boat has a trailer, the VIN may be found on a decal on the side of the tongue. These decals can also fade or disintegrate, making the VIN unreadable. If the VIN cannot be located on the boat or trailer, you may need to contact the relevant authorities to have a new VIN assigned.

It is important to thoroughly inspect the boat and trailer for any signs of the VIN, as this information is crucial for registration, ownership verification, and ensuring the boat is not stolen.

Older boats may have an aluminium plate with the VIN riveted on

If you're having trouble locating the VIN on an older aluminium boat, it might be because, as one user on The Hull Truth forum points out, boats made before 1972 may not have any numbers to check. A lot of older boats had an aluminium plate with the VIN riveted on, but those numbers may have worn off, or the plate may have fallen off or been removed for repairs. If the plate is still there, it's worth checking under the rub rail and inside all the compartments for a second HIN number, but usually, only boats made after 1984 will have a second number.

If you're restoring an older boat or need to replace a damaged or lost ID plate, you can order a custom-engraved aluminium HIN plate online. These plates are laser-engraved with your boat's unique HIN and are compliant with Coast Guard regulations. You can also buy sealed aluminium rivets and washers to attach the plate to your boat.

If the VIN is not visible, you can request a new VIN sticker from the manufacturer

If you can't find the VIN on your aluminium boat, it may be because the VIN sticker is worn out or unreadable. If this is the case, you can request a new VIN sticker from the manufacturer. You can also try contacting a third-party company that specialises in replacement VIN tags. These companies can create a new VIN tag for your boat based on the information you provide.

It's important to note that the process of obtaining a replacement VIN tag may vary depending on your location and the specific regulations in your state or country. In some cases, you may need to provide specific information or documentation to the manufacturer or the relevant authorities.

If you are unable to find the manufacturer or if the manufacturer is no longer in business, you may need to explore alternative options. In such cases, it is recommended to consult with a local expert or authority, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a similar organisation, to determine the best course of action. They can guide you through the process and advise you on any necessary steps or requirements.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that some boats may have the VIN stamped or engraved on the hull or other parts of the boat. If you are unable to locate the VIN, it may be beneficial to inspect the boat thoroughly, including areas such as the transom, the starboard side, and hidden compartments. VINs on aluminium boats are typically located on the transom, often on the starboard side.

Frequently asked questions