How to Find the Boat Model Number Using the HIN

by Boat Alert / Last Updated: September 17, 2024 / Understanding Boats

Do you know how to find out about your boat specs? The answer is in the Hull Identification Number (HIN). This is a 12-character code given to every boat made in the U.S. It helps you find out your boat’s make, model, and more.

Key Takeaways

• The HIN is a critical identifier for your boat, providing details about its specifications.
• By deciphering the HIN, you can discover your boat’s specs.
• The HIN system does not embed the model name into the serial number.
• Databases are needed to lookup the model name. such as hindecoder.com

Understanding the Hull Identification Number (HIN)

The boat manufacturer and boat serial number are found in the Hull Identification Number (HIN). This is a unique 12-digit code for every recreational boat. It tells you about your boat’s make, model, and when it was made.

To find the HIN, check the boat’s transom (back) or the starboard (right) side of the hull. It’s near the stern (back) of the boat. The code starts with the MIC followed by numbers and letters for the serial and year.

The HIN gives you key details about your boat. Here’s how it’s structured:

• Positions 1-3: Manufacturer identification code
• Positions 4-8: Boat serial number, unique to your vessel
• Position 9: Letter M or a month indicator.
• Position 10: Year code
• Positions 11-12: Year

Decoding the HIN lets you learn a lot about your boat. It is important to get the 9th position right. Sometimes people confuse letter “i” with number “1”. With the right number you can do a registration lookup.

Boat Model Lookup by HIN

Since the Hull Identification Number (HIN) structure above does not have the model name embedded, then you cannot decipher that info from the HIN. Instead, online tools let you quickly find the model, make, and other details from the manufacturer bu checking against known databases.

To start your boat model by hin search, check out hindecoder.com database above. They offer vessel model lookup services. These sites are easy to use, letting you enter your HIN to find your boat’s info, including the boat make and model search.

Failing that, try the boat-alert.com report as it covers more databases.

Conclusion

In this article, you learned how important the Hull Identification Number (HIN) format is and that it does not contain the model number. (just a serial number).

Decoding the HIN lets you find out exactly what make your boat is but not the model.

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• find boat model name from serial number

The boat hull identification number is key to knowing your boat better. By learning about the HIN and how to find your boat’s model, you’ll make better choices with valuations.