Boat VIN Number Lookup Boat Data is a great way to check a used boat’s history. It’s an essential step before making a purchase, and helps ensure your safety and the safety of your family. While a free boat serial number lookup is useful, it can’t tell you everything about the boat’s past. That’s why we recommend using a paid service like Boat History Report.
Decoding the Waves: Your Guide to Boat VIN Number Lookup and Its Significance
HIN stands for Hull Identification Number. It’s a 12-character number that identifies a specific vessel, similar to the VIN of a car. It also acts as a deterrent to boat theft and is required on all vessels built after November 1, 1972. HINs can be found on a metal or plastic plate placed on the starboard side of the transom within two inches of the top of the transom, gunwale, or hull/deck joint. HINs can also be found on the boat title or registration documents.
The first three characters of the HIN are the Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC). This code dictates the make of the boat, and is the same for both domestic and imported boats. The rest of the HIN is the serial number. This information is required by Federal Law to be displayed on all new and used boats, as well as in the State’s records for documented boat owners. Individuals who build their own boats for personal use, known as “backyard boat builders,” must obtain a HIN to document their home-built boats and be registered by the State.
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