How to Read a Boat HIN Number

Owning a boat means you have the responsibility for its safe operation and maintenance, as well as for keeping all ownership papers and registration in order. Much of the paperwork will note the unique 12-digit alphanumeric Hull Identification Number (HIN) that contains important manufacturing information about your boat, and enables all legal entities to identify it. The HIN number is comparable to the VIN that each automobile or truck must have for legal identification.

• 1

  Look on the boat's starboard (right-hand) transom for a series of stamped numbers. If the boat does not have a transom, find the HIN number on the outside of the hull on the starboard side, close to the stern (back end) of the boat.

• 2

  Read the first three digits. These are the manufacturer's identification code assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard. If there is doubt about the boat's manufacturer, you can check this with the Coast Guard database online at www.uscgboating.org/recalls/mic_database.htm, according to BoatUS.

• 3

  Note the next five digits. These are the manufacturer's serial number for the hull, generally a combination of letters and numbers. The letters "I," "O," and "Q" are excluded to avoid confusion.

• 4

  Notice the next letter. This letter of the alphabet tells the month construction of the hull was started. "A" is for January, "B" for February, and so on.

• 5

  Read the next number. This number indicates the year the hull was manufactured and certified.

• 6

  Notice the next two digits. This is the boat's model year. The U.S. Coast Guard defines the model year as the period between August 1 of one year and July 31 of the following year, so that one built between August 1 of 2010 and July 31 of 2011 will have a model year of 2011, according to NewBoatBuilders.