
- 1984 CHECKMATE BOAT SERIAL NUMBERS
- 1984 CHECKMATE BOAT SERIAL NUMBER
- 1984 CHECKMATE BOAT SERIAL
- 1984 CHECKMATE BOAT REGISTRATION
- 1984 CHECKMATE BOAT SERIES
The regulations prescribe the format of the HIN.
1984 CHECKMATE BOAT SERIAL
Understanding A Boat Serial Number:įigure 1 – HIN Formats Before August 1, 1984įigure 2 – HIN Format After August 1, 1984īoats manufactured or imported on or after August 1, 1984, have that duplicate secondary HIN affixed somewhere on an unexposed location inside the boat or beneath a fitting or item of hardware. Coast Guard.īeyond the physical numbers on a boat, the HIN should also be recorded in insurance documents, the title and the boat registration. It is illegal for anyone (manufacturer, dealer, distributor, or owner) to alter or remove a HIN without the express written authorization of the Commandant, U.S.
1984 CHECKMATE BOAT SERIAL NUMBER
The purpose is to help authorities identify your boat with a HIN decoder if a thief or vandals remove or damage the primary HIN boat serial number on the transom. This allows for a cross reference/match between the hull HIN and the interior if it’s ever required by the Coast Guard or even by you as a buyer of a new vessel to make sure everything is on the up and up. It can be under a piece of hardware or a fitting, or some other unexposed spot on the interior. The digits of the HIN should be at least ¼ inch tall.Ī secondary HIN should be located on the interior of the boat. The HIN needs to be permanently a part of the hull in this position in such a way that it would be obvious if it was removed. If the HIN will not be visible because the boat has railings, fittings or any attachments then it needs to be placed as close to the upper right of the aft hull/transom as possible while allowing it to be visible. If you have a pontoon or catamaran which have replaceable parts, then the HIN needs to be to the aft crossbeam within one foot of the starboard hull attachment. This will be the most easily visible location for your HIN but it’s not the only place it needs to be.

However, if there is no transom on the vessel then it can be on the uppermost starboard side of the hull near the aft of the vessel. The ideal position is the upper starboard quarter on the outside of the transom within two inches of the top of the transom, gunwale, or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest.

Where to Find the HIN on a BoatĪ HIN number should be clearly visible on a boat while it’s in the water. The HIN, however, is required to be shown on the State certificate of registration.
1984 CHECKMATE BOAT REGISTRATION
The HIN is a Federal requirement your boat’s registration number is a State requirement similar to the license plate on your car. You will likely be required to provide this number if you’re looking for boat financing as well.Ī HIN hull number is not the same as a State registration number, which may be required to be displayed on the bow of your boat.


The new system, just as the VIN system in cars, allowed authorities to more easily track boats for safety purposes, to help reduce or track thefts, and to allow all vessels to be more user friendly for everyone involved by eliminating a potential wide range of formats or even number duplication that may have existed between manufacturers. As you can imagine, this made it more difficult to keep things organized and to cross reference any issues that may have related to recalls or manufacturing defects.
1984 CHECKMATE BOAT SERIAL NUMBERS
Prior to 1972 manufacturers used their own serial numbers but there was no universal format. They did not become a fully required feature until 1984, which we’ll touch on below. The United States Coast Guard was tasked with creating a system that would allow for easier tracking the history of boats and accidents back in 1972. Think of these boat identification numbers like your car’s VIN. The HIN is a 12 character serial number that uniquely identifies your boat. But, what does a Hull Identification Number mean? What Is A HIN?Īll boats manufactured or imported on or after Novemmust bear a HIN boat hull number. Well, if you have taken the Nautical Know How course you know they are Hull Identification Numbers (HIN) and that they are required.
1984 CHECKMATE BOAT SERIES
Did you ever wonder what that strange series of letters and numbers on the transom of your boat are.
