The primary HIN must be permanently affixed (so that it can be seen from outside the boat) to the starboard side of the transom within two inches of the top of the transom, gunwale, or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest. The boat manufacturer must display two identical hull identification numbers, no less than one-fourth of an inch high, on each boat hull. Understanding A Boat Serial Number:įigure 1 – HIN Formats Before August 1, 1984 The HIN, however, is required to be shown on the State certificate of registration. The HIN is a Federal requirement your boat’s registration number is a State requirement similar to the license plate on your car.

A HIN hull number is not the same as a State registration number, which may be required to be displayed on the bow of your boat. It enables manufacturers to clearly identify for boat owners the boats that are involved in a defect notification and recall campaign. What Are Hull Identification Numbers Useful For? Think of these boat identification numbers like your car’s VIN. The HIN is a 12 character serial number that uniquely identifies your boat. But, what does a Hull Identification Number mean?Īll boats manufactured or imported on or after Novemmust bear a HIN boat hull number. Well, if you have taken the Nautical Know How course you know they are Hull Identification Numbers (HIN) and that they are required. Hull ID Numbers Play The Numbers Game: (What Is A HIN?)ĭid you ever wonder what that strange series of letters and numbers on the transom of your boat are.

How to check boat serial number