Hin Number Hunt: Bass Boat Edition

If you're looking to buy a bass boat, you'll need to know where to find its Hull Identification Number (HIN). This unique 12-character identifier is like a Vehicle Identification Number for cars and is usually found in the stern, on a plate or stamped into the boat material. Since 1972, all boats manufactured in or imported to the US have been marked with a HIN, which is used for registration and tracking the boat's history. You can typically find the HIN on the rear of the transom, often on the upper right corner, or on the starboard side of the transom, within two inches of the top. So, the next time you're inspecting a bass boat, keep an eye out for these locations to spot its HIN.

HIN on the starboard side of the transom

The Hull Identification Number, or HIN, is a unique 12-digit number assigned to boats. This number is used to identify a boat and is crucial in cases of theft or if the boat is lost. It is also used to identify boats that are subject to recall. The HIN is also important for financing and insurance purposes, as well as for ordering the correct replacement parts for maintenance.

In terms of location, the HIN is typically found on the starboard side of the transom. Specifically, it is located on the upper starboard quarter of the outside surface of the transom. This placement ensures that the HIN remains clearly visible even when the boat is in the water. The HIN is usually engraved on a plate or stamped directly onto the boat material.

For boats without a transom, the HIN can be found on the uppermost starboard side at the aft end of the hull. It is worth noting that the HIN may also be marked in a secondary location, typically beneath a fitting or item of hardware, or on the interior of the vessel where it remains unexposed.

The HIN is required by federal law and must be permanently affixed to the boat. It is illegal to alter, deface, or remove this identification number.

HIN on the hull

The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique 12- or 14-character serial number that identifies a boat. All boats manufactured in or imported to the United States after November 1, 1972, are required by federal law to have a HIN. This number is used to register your boat and track its history.

The HIN is typically located at the stern of the boat, usually on the upper right corner of the rear of the transom, on the starboard side of the hull. It is often engraved on a metal or plastic plate or stamped directly onto the boat material. In some cases, the HIN may be located on the inside of the hull, on the starboard side near the transom, or in a hidden location on the boat.

The HIN consists of 12 letters and numerals that indicate the manufacturer, hull serial number, and model year and/or month. The first two letters typically identify the location where the boat was built, and the final two digits represent the year the boat was built.

It is important to note that the HIN should never be defaced, removed, or altered. If the HIN is on a separate plate, removing it should cause some scarring or damage to the surrounding hull area.

Additionally, each boat should have two identical HINs, with the second one affixed in an unexposed location on the interior of the boat or beneath a fitting or item of hardware.

HIN on the starboard side of the hull

If you're looking for the Hull Identification Number (HIN) on a bass boat, it's important to know that its location can vary depending on the make and model of the boat. However, in most cases, you can expect to find the HIN on the starboard side of the hull, and here's a more detailed guide to help you locate it:

The HIN is typically located on the starboard side of the transom, which is the vertical section at the rear of the boat. Specifically, look for it on the upper right corner of the transom, usually within a few inches of the top. It should be easy to spot as it's required by law to be at least one-quarter inch tall. The HIN is often engraved on a metal or plastic plate or stamped directly onto the boat material.

In some cases, the HIN may be located on the starboard side of the hull, just below the gunnel (the upper edge of the hull) or above the swim platform. On older boats, it might be faintly engraved and hard to find if the hull has been cut and polished. So, take your time to inspect the starboard side carefully.

If you're still having trouble locating the HIN, it's worth checking other common locations. For example, some boats have a secondary HIN plaque or plate located inside the boat, such as beneath the cabin steps, under the carpet in the forward (FWD) cabin, or on the Australian Builders Plate near the cockpit helm or dashboard.

Remember, the HIN is unique to each boat and is used for registration and tracking the boat's history, similar to a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on a car. So, it's important to take note of it and never alter or deface the number.

HIN on the starboard side near the rear cockpit

If you're looking for the Hull Identification Number (HIN) on a bass boat, it's worth noting that the location can vary depending on the make and model of the boat. However, if you're looking specifically for the HIN on the starboard side near the rear cockpit, here's some detailed information to guide you:

The starboard side of a boat is the right-hand side when you're facing the bow (front) of the vessel. So, when you're standing at the front and looking towards the rear, the right side is the starboard side. This clarification is important because the terms "starboard" and "port" are used instead of "right" and "left" to avoid ambiguity when giving directions.

Now, on to locating the HIN! The HIN is typically found on the hull of the boat and should be easily identifiable. However, in some cases, it may be hard to spot, painted over, or even missing, especially on older boats. The HIN is required by federal law and serves as a unique identifier for the boat, often referred to as the "boat serial number" or "boat ID number."

When looking on the starboard side near the rear cockpit, here are some specific places you might find the HIN:

• On the inside of the hull, on the starboard side near the transom.
• On the starboard side of the hull, just below the gunnel but above the swim platform. Sometimes, the gelcoat on this area is cut and polished, making the HIN hard to read.
• On a silver plaque below the gunnel or beneath the swim platform, engraved on the starboard side of the transom.
• On the starboard side of the transom, either on the top or bottom mould.
• On the starboard aft corner of the transom, which is the rear part of the boat.

Keep in mind that the HIN consists of 12 letters and numerals that are at least a quarter-inch tall. It includes information such as the manufacturer, hull serial number, model year, and/or month. So, when you're looking for the HIN, pay attention to details, as it may be small and engraved or stamped onto a plate.

HIN on the transom door or builder's plate

The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique 12-character identifier that has been required by US federal law for all boats manufactured in or imported into the US since November 1, 1972. The HIN is often referred to as the "boat serial number" or "boat ID number".

The HIN is usually found in the stern of the boat and can be engraved on a plate or stamped into the boat material. On bass boats, the HIN is typically located on the transom door or builder's plate.

The transom is the rear of the boat, and the HIN is usually located in the upper right corner of the transom. It is affixed permanently and must be at least one-quarter inch tall. The HIN consists of 12 letters and numerals that indicate the manufacturer, hull serial number, model year, and/or month.

The builder's plate is a small plaque or plate that contains important information about the boat, such as the hull serial number and engine serials. It is usually located near the dash or cockpit helm.

It is important to locate the HIN when purchasing a boat to verify its legitimacy and ensure it hasn't been stolen. Additionally, the HIN is necessary for financing, insurance, and registration purposes.

Frequently asked questions