What are Hull Identification Numbers Useful For? Function, Purpose, and Everything Else

What are hull identification numbers useful for? Well, the HIN helps you identify and track the history of a vessel. This information is essential when you sell or purchase a boat. But this isn’t the only functionality of the HIN. The hull identification number can get you some other facilities as well. 

Want to know how HIN works and what’s its purpose? Keep reading, and you will find out. 

What Are Hull Identification Numbers Useful For? Functions and Purpose

Before knowing the purpose of HIN, you have to know how this number actually works. §181.25 says that, 

“Each of the hull identification numbers must consist of twelve characters, uninterrupted by slashes, hyphens, or spaces.”

This number is usually engraved on the hull. Found it? Here’s how all the characters are assigned, 

First 3 characters: The 3 initial characters are the identification code of the manufacturer.

The 4th to 8th characters: The following five characters are the manufacturer’s unique serial number. 

The 9th and 10th characters: These two characters indicate the month and year of production. The associated letter format indicates months, while the last digit indicates the manufacturing year. 

The 11th and 12th characters: The last two characters refer to the vessel model year. The last two digits of the year are the identification here. 

While knowing the year is simple enough, identifying the production month can be a bit tricky as it involves specifically designated letters. Checkout the following list to clarify your confusion,

MonthCode
JanuaryF
FebruaryG
MarchH
AprilI
MayJ
JuneK
JulyL
AugustA
SeptemberB
OctoberC
NovemberD
DecemberE

You may not know what the manufacturer’s identification code means as well. Everything About Boat explains the same  to find out who is the manufacturer of your vessel. Just match the code with the vessel name and see who assembled the hull. 

Now that you have a clear idea of which number means what, take a quick look at an example to clarify the entire concept in your head. 

Think of a HIN number that is AGB67890C518- What does it mean?

  • The AGB is the MIC or the manufacturer’s identification code which indicates to Angler Boats.
  • The 67890 is the serial number of the hull
  • The C5 is the date of the manufacture
  • The 18 is the model year of the hull, which is the year 2018

Let’s illustrate it further with a chart,

At this point, you shouldn’t have any difficulty identifying the meaning of a hull identification number.

But What’s the use of it? 

Here is the usefulness of HIN,

  • Identifying the vessel: The main purpose of HIN is to identify a vessel. This is nothing but a way to track the history of a hull. This number, as it contains the manufacturing date as well, keeps track of the vessel from the time it was constructed. Such information comes in handy when it comes to making a sale or purchase.
  • Fixing the vessel: The hull identification number is basically a code created by the manufacturer. This code helps the manufacturing company to quickly fetch any equipment or extra tool you may need to fix your hull. In fact, the manufacturing company can even do the necessary maintenance to your hull using this number. 
  • Registering the vessel: If you want to sail, you have to get your vessel registered. However, you can’t do that without a HIN. When you apply for your vessel certificate, you will need the number along with all the necessary documents. 

These are the primary purpose of HIN, and now you know everything about the code. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you locate your stolen boat using the HIN?

Yes, it is possible to locate your boat if it’s stolen using the HIN because this number is the license plate for boats.

Is a hull number the same as a serial number?

Yes, the hull number is the same as the serial number of your boat.

How much does it cost to register boats?

A HIN certificate can cost around $35. However, it may cost $100 to get the number with agencies.

Conclusion

Having an individual identity for boats is as important as having an identity for your own self. Now as you know what are hull identification numbers used for, you won’t have any problem registering your boat, tracking it, and get accurate maintenance. 

If you have given this article a thorough read, you now know everything about checking hull identification numbers as well. In simple words, boating just got easier for you.

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