HIN Number
What Is a HIN Number?
A HIN (Hull Identification Number) is a unique set of 12 characters assigned to each boat manufactured in the United States since the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1972.
Before 1972, boat manufacturers used their own serial numbers, but the lack of a universal format made it challenging to cross-reference any issues related to manufacturing defects or recalls. The HIN also helps authorities track stolen boats.
Similar to an automobile's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), a boat's HIN provides information about its make, model year, and year of production.
The 12 characters, which are uninterrupted by spaces, slashes, hyphens, or spaces, must be permanently affixed and are a minimum of a quarter-inch in size.
The first three characters are letters that are an abbreviation for the manufacturer of the boat. For example, "KAW" would indicate the boat was made by Kawasaki, according to the U.S. Coast Guard's Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC). After the three letters, the remainder of the characters are a combination of letters and numbers.
Where Can You Find the HIN?
Generally, most boats have two identical HINs, one in a primary location and the other in an unexposed spot. If the boat has a transom (flat back), the primary HIN is usually found on the transom's upper right (starboard) side. If the boat does not have a transom, the HIN is typically placed on the starboard side within 12 inches of the stern.
What Is a HIN Number?
A HIN (Hull Identification Number) is a unique set of 12 characters assigned to each boat manufactured in the United States since the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1972.
Before 1972, boat manufacturers used their own serial numbers, but the lack of a universal format made it challenging to cross-reference any issues related to manufacturing defects or recalls. The HIN also helps authorities track stolen boats.
Similar to an automobile's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), a boat's HIN provides information about its make, model year, and year of production.
The 12 characters, which are uninterrupted by spaces, slashes, hyphens, or spaces, must be permanently affixed and are a minimum of a quarter-inch in size.
The first three characters are letters that are an abbreviation for the manufacturer of the boat. For example, "KAW" would indicate the boat was made by Kawasaki, according to the U.S. Coast Guard's Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC). After the three letters, the remainder of the characters are a combination of letters and numbers.
Where Can You Find the HIN?
Generally, most boats have two identical HINs, one in a primary location and the other in an unexposed spot. If the boat has a transom (flat back), the primary HIN is usually found on the transom's upper right (starboard) side. If the boat does not have a transom, the HIN is typically placed on the starboard side within 12 inches of the stern.