When you’re dealing with a boat VIN, it’s actually called a HIN — Hull Identification Number — not a VIN like on cars or trailers.
🚤 What is a HIN?
A HIN is a 12-character ID required on all boats manufactured or imported in the U.S. after November 1, 1972. It’s typically stamped or molded into the transom (rear) of the boat.
🔍 HIN Format (12 Characters)
Example: ABC12345B515
| Characters | Description | Example |
| 1–3 | Manufacturer Code (MIC) | ABC = Brand |
| 4–8 | Serial Number (hull number) | 12345 |
| 9–12 | Date of Certification / Manufacture | B515 = Feb 2015 |
📆 How to Determine the Year (Last 4 Characters)
The last 4 characters of the HIN tell you when the boat was built and what model year it is. This is called the “new-style” format (used after 1984).
Format: MYYM or MYYC
- Character 9 (Month Letter) — When the boat was built:
- A = January, B = February, …, L = December
- Characters 10–11 (YY) — Model year
- Character 12 (Year of certification) — Often the same or prior to model year
Example: B515
- B = Built in February
- 5 = Certified in 2015
- 15 = Model year 2015
So this boat was built in February 2015 and is a 2015 model.
⚠️ Alternate Format (Pre-1984)
Some older boats may have a different format like: ABC123451273
- 12 = Month (December)
- 73 = Year (1973)
✅ Where to Find the HIN
Title or registration
Transom (usually upper-right corner)
Inside hull (duplicate HIN sometimes hidden)