A Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a boat's equivalent of a car's VIN — a unique 12-character code required on every boat built or imported into the U.S. since November 1972. It is molded or permanently fixed to the upper starboard (right) corner of the transom, and repeated in a hidden second location.
- Characters 1–3 — MIC (Manufacturer Identifier Code): a code the U.S. Coast Guard assigns to the builder.
- Characters 4–8 — serial number: the manufacturer's hull serial.
- Characters 9–12 — date of build & model year: the month and year the hull was made, plus the model year.
Why it matters: the HIN ties a boat to its build records and any accident, total-loss or documentation history. Always confirm the HIN on the hull matches the paperwork before buying.
Look up a U.S. documented vessel by hull number or name on CarLogs to see its Coast Guard record — at no cost, no owner data.
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