The Hull Identification Number (HIN) on boats is usually affixed to the rear of the transom, often in the upper right corner. The HIN is required by federal law and must be included on the registration application. The Hull Identification Number consists of 12 letters and numerals that indicate the manufacturer, hull serial numbers, and model year and/or month. The first three characters of the Hull Identification Number are called the Manufacturers Identification Code (MIC) and are assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard. The MIC for Sun Tracker boats is BUJ.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
What is the Hull Identification Number? | A unique 12-character Hull Identification Number (HIN) is assigned to every boat. |
When was the HIN regulation introduced? | The HIN regulation was introduced on November 1, 1972. |
Where is the HIN located? | The HIN is permanently affixed to the rear of the transom, usually on the upper right corner. |
What does the HIN indicate? | The HIN indicates the manufacturer, hull serial numbers, and model year and/or month. |
What is the format of the HIN? | The HIN consists of 12 letters and numerals, each at least a quarter-inch tall. |
What are the first three characters of the HIN? | The first three characters of the HIN designate the manufacturer and are called the Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC). |
Who assigns the MIC? | The MIC is assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard. |
What You'll Learn
Hull Identification Number (HIN) location
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is located on the rear of the transom, usually in the upper right corner. This identification number is permanently affixed to the boat hull and is required by federal law to be included on the registration application. The HIN is made up of 12 letters and numerals that are at least a quarter-inch tall, indicating the manufacturer, hull serial number, and model year or month.
The first three characters of the HIN are known as the Manufacturers Identification Code (MIC) and are designated by the U.S. Coast Guard. These characters represent the manufacturer of the boat. In the case of Sun Tracker boats, the MIC is "BUJ".
The HIN is crucial for boat registration and ownership verification. It also helps in determining the boat's history, including any accidents, repairs, or previous owners. The HIN serves as a unique identifier for each vessel, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and facilitating proper maintenance and servicing.
When inspecting a Sun Tracker boat, locating the HIN is essential for confirming the boat's authenticity and history. This number provides valuable information about the boat's origin, age, and any past incidents that may impact its performance, safety, or resale value.
Additionally, the HIN plays a vital role in boat registration processes. By providing this unique identifier, boat owners can obtain the necessary documentation to legally operate their vessels in compliance with local and federal regulations. It is important for boat owners to know the location of the HIN and to include it in their boat's registration paperwork.
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HIN format
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a 12-character serial number that uniquely identifies a boat, much like the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on a car. The HIN is typically found on a metal or plastic plate on the transom of the boat, usually on the right (starboard) side. The HIN is comprised of the Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC), a serial number, the month and date of certification, and the boat's model year.
The first three characters of the HIN are letters that make up the MIC, assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard to designate the manufacturer of the boat. The next five characters are the serial number, a combination of letters and numbers assigned by the manufacturer. The letters "I," "O," and "Q" are excluded from the serial number to avoid confusion with numbers. The 9th character of the HIN indicates the month of certification, with "A" representing January and "L" representing December. The 10th character is a number representing the year of certification (i.e., the last digit of the year). Finally, the 11th and 12th characters indicate the boat's model year.
For example, in the HIN ABC12345D404, "ABC" is the MIC, "12345" is the serial number, "D" indicates the boat was certified in April, "4" indicates the boat was built in 2004, and "04" is the model year.
It is important to note that the HIN is not necessarily the date of manufacture but the date the boat was certified by the builder to meet Coast Guard regulations. Once assigned, the HIN cannot be changed without permission from the Coast Guard.
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HIN on boats built before 1972
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a serial number assigned by the manufacturer that uniquely identifies a boat, much like the VIN on a car. All boats manufactured, sold, or imported to the US require a HIN.
However, boats built before 1972 did not legally require a HIN. If you own a boat built before 1972, you can apply for a new HIN from the USCG. If your boat already has an old HIN, you must attach the new HIN above the old one so that both are visible.
The HIN is typically found on a metal or plastic plate on the transom of the boat, usually on the right starboard side of the transom within two inches of the top of the transom, gunwale, or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest. On vessels without transoms, or where the transom is blocked by a swim platform, the HIN is usually on the uppermost starboard side of the hull at the stern. It should be easily visible while out on the water.
Since 1984, there must also be a duplicate HIN placed in an unexposed part of the boat, either in the interior or beneath a piece of hardware. The characters of each HIN must be at least 1/4 inch tall.
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HIN on boats built after 1984
Since 1984, all boats manufactured or imported to the United States have been required to bear a Hull Identification Number (HIN). This is a 12-character serial number that includes letters and numbers and is unique to each boat. The HIN is usually found at the stern of the boat, on the starboard side of the transom, or in that general area. It should be easily visible while the boat is out on the water and must be permanently affixed to the hull. The HIN is used to identify every boat and is useful for registration, titling, and documentation.
The HIN on boats built after 1984 must follow a specific format. The first three characters are the Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC) assigned by the US Coast Guard. The next five characters are the serial number assigned by the manufacturer. The ninth character indicates the month the boat was certified, and the tenth character is the last digit of the year of certification. The final two digits indicate the model year of the hull.
In addition to the HIN being visible on the outside of the boat, there must also be a duplicate HIN placed in an unexposed part of the boat, either in the interior or beneath a piece of hardware. This secondary HIN allows for cross-referencing between the hull HIN and the interior, helping authorities identify the boat if the primary HIN is removed or damaged. The characters of each HIN must be at least 1/4 inch tall.
The HIN is essential for boat owners, manufacturers, and government agencies. For boat owners, the HIN helps protect against fraudulent claims when buying a used boat, as it allows them to correctly identify the month and year of its manufacture. It is also used for registration, insurance, and boat financing. For boat manufacturers, the HIN is used to identify boats subject to recalls. The government uses the HIN for registration, titling, documentation, and national security purposes.
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Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC)
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a 12-character identifier affixed to the transom of a boat hull. The HIN serves several purposes, including titling, registration, tracking recalls, and identifying lost or stolen property. The first three characters of the HIN represent the Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC), which is assigned by the United States Coast Guard. The MIC is useful for identifying the manufacturer, especially when buying or repairing a used boat, as it allows you to research common problems, track down owner's manuals, and get the correct part numbers.
The MIC for Sun Tracker boats is BUJ, which is also used by its parent company, Tracker Marine Group LP, and its Knoxville, AR plant, Kenner Boats (KEN).
A boat's HIN can be found not only on the transom but also in an unexposed area on the interior of the boat. The HIN can be in the form of a metal plate, embossed or molded into the body of the boat, or engraved or carved.
The structure of the HIN has evolved over time, but it has consistently required the first three characters to be the MIC. Before the mid-1990s, MIC codes could contain numbers, but now they consist solely of alphabetical characters. The remaining characters in the HIN represent the boat's production number or serial number, the month and year it was built, and the year the model was made available for sale.
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Frequently asked questions
The hull identification number (HIN) should be on the rear of the transom, usually in the upper right corner.
The HIN is made up of 12 letters and numerals that are at least a quarter of an inch tall.
The HIN indicates the manufacturer, hull serial numbers, and model year and/or month.
The MIC for Sun Tracker boats is BUJ.