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.
If the primary HIN is missing, the boat owner should notify the Coast Guard. A secondary HIN is typically located on the interior or under a fitting or unexposed piece of hardware on the boat.
Boat buyers should look at the HIN to verify the information matches the seller's claims and paperwork. You can write the HIN down or take a rubbing of it with a pencil and paper. The HIN also should be included on the boat bill of sale.
What the HIN Means
Here's more information on what the letters and numbers mean in the HIN.
The first three letters are part of the Coast Guard's MIC.
The next five characters are a combination of letters and numbers unique to your boat. Some letters, including "I," "O," and "Q," are omitted because they can look like other letters or numbers,
The last four characters. The remaining characters indicate the vessel's date of certification or manufacture.
Here is a handy summary of where the HIN may be located and how to read the numbers:
What If Your Boat Was Built Before 1972?
Requirements for boat registration vary from state to state.
If you own a boat built before Nov. 1, 1972, the date the Federal Boat Safety Act went into effect, you should check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to see what you need to do to meet legal requirements. The same is true if you want to take a home-built boat out on the water.
Keep in mind that the HIN is not the same as a state registration number. The HIN is a federal requirement, but each state has its own additional requirements for identification purposes. However, you will need your boat's HIN to apply for state registration.
Helpful Resources:
National Safe Boating Council - Federal Boat Safety Act
Federal Register - Hull Identification Numbers for Recreational Vessels
Pearson Yachts - Hull Numbers Explained
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.
If the primary HIN is missing, the boat owner should notify the Coast Guard. A secondary HIN is typically located on the interior or under a fitting or unexposed piece of hardware on the boat.
Boat buyers should look at the HIN to verify the information matches the seller's claims and paperwork. You can write the HIN down or take a rubbing of it with a pencil and paper. The HIN also should be included on the boat bill of sale.
What the HIN Means
Here's more information on what the letters and numbers mean in the HIN.
The first three letters are part of the Coast Guard's MIC.
The next five characters are a combination of letters and numbers unique to your boat. Some letters, including "I," "O," and "Q," are omitted because they can look like other letters or numbers,
The last four characters. The remaining characters indicate the vessel's date of certification or manufacture.
Here is a handy summary of where the HIN may be located and how to read the numbers:
What If Your Boat Was Built Before 1972?
Requirements for boat registration vary from state to state.
If you own a boat built before Nov. 1, 1972, the date the Federal Boat Safety Act went into effect, you should check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to see what you need to do to meet legal requirements. The same is true if you want to take a home-built boat out on the water.
Keep in mind that the HIN is not the same as a state registration number. The HIN is a federal requirement, but each state has its own additional requirements for identification purposes. However, you will need your boat's HIN to apply for state registration.
Helpful Resources:
National Safe Boating Council - Federal Boat Safety Act
Federal Register - Hull Identification Numbers for Recreational Vessels
Pearson Yachts - Hull Numbers Explained