Many prospective vessel buyers want to know the answer to, “do boats have VIN numbers?” It’s a great question and shows that you want to be a responsible boat owner. When you register your boat, much like when you register your vehicle, it is assigned a unique number that is used to identify it. This comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about your boat’s number and what it can be used for.
What is a VIN?
VIN stands for vehicle identification number and is assigned to a car, truck or SUV. In other words, it identifies a land vehicle. You will find it located on the dashboard of your vehicle and it’s a way to identify the car, truck or SUV, rather than the owner. The number will go with the vehicle when and if you sell it. The VIN can also be used to track owner history and find out more about a given vehicle before you buy it.
Do Boats Have VIN Numbers?
A boat’s identification number is called its hull identification number, or HIN. This number consists of 12 characters and must be displayed on the boat, often on the transom area. Like a vehicle’s VIN number, the HIN identifies the boat and goes with it as it’s bought and sold. Decoding the HIN is a good step to take if you plan to purchase a boat, as it tells you the history and important information about the vessel so you can make an informed decision.
Decoding the HIN
The first three characters in a HIN number are letters, which are the manufacturer codes, followed by a set of numbers. The first five numbers are the serial number, with the final four being the year the boat was manufactured. The collection of characters is unique to the boat and can be used for a variety of purposes. The HIN number can be used to search for owner history, maintenance records and any legal issues pertaining to the boat, as well as a variety of other important information. If the HIN numbers don’t match, you may want to choose a different boat, as this one could have been altered for some reason. For boats with a manufacture date older than 1972, the serial number may be a bit harder to find.
Displaying the HIN Number
There are regulations that go along with displaying your boat’s HIN number and you must adhere to them or you run the risk of incurring penalties and fines until the problem is fixed. In addition to where on your boat the HIN must appear, there are also rules about how large the characters must be. You cannot paint over a HIN or alter it in any way.
If you need more help decoding the HIN number and are still asking “do boats have VIN numbers,” we are here to help. Contact the US Vessel Documentation Center for all of the assistance you need. We can help by answering any questions you have and guide you through any boat documentation and process, from start to finish.
