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The serial number is part of the hull identification number (HIN) on your boat. It consists of the manufacturer ID code, the hull serial number and the date the boat was built. The first three letters are assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard, and they identify the manufacturer of the boat. The second set of numbers represents the unique hull number, and the last set represents the model and year of the boat. Locating the serial number on a boat is quite easy if you know where to look.
Hull Identification Numbers. ( See 'HINs By The Numbers') The information with the boat's model year is contained in the hull identification number (HIN), which is a label permanently affixed to the boat. The number includes a date assigned by the builder. How to Identify Your Boat. Since November 1, 1972, federal law requires all boats, including inflatables like rafts, IKs and SUP boards, manufactured in, or imported into, the US to have a unique 12-character identifier called the Hull Identification Number (HIN). This is often referred to as the “boat serial number” or “boat ID number”.
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Look Up Boat Model By Serial Number
Look for the serial number on the hull or the hull member. It should be located on the transom, above the waterline. It may also be printed on a small plate.
Check the starboard side of the hull if the boat has no transom. If your boat has more than one hull, check the outermost starboard side at the end of the hull.