What is a Coast Guard Hull Identification Number and where can I find it?
The Coast Guard Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a 12 character sequence etched into the upper starboard corner of the transom of the boat which uniquely identifies each boat. The HIN is a Federal requirement similar to your vehicles identification number. It is required on all boats manufactured after 1972 to enable manufacturers to clearly identify boats that are involved in a defect notification or recall. It is illegal for anyone (manufacturer, dealer, distributor, or owner) to alter or remove a HIN. The first three letters known as the MIC, identify the manufacturer of the vessel. All Cape Cod Shipbuilding Co. built boats have HIN’s that begin with CAC; the middle characters identify the type of boat; the last 2 digits are the year the boat was built.
