Basic Boating Information

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1

Boating Terms

2

Hull Designs

3

Boat Length

4

Propulsion

5

Capacity

6

Hull Identification Numbers

7

Homemade Boats

8

Recall Hotline

9

Theft Prevention

10

Loaning a Boat

11

Lines and Knots

12

Trailers and Trailering

13

Boat Ramps

14

Weather

15

Float Plans

16

Boat Maintenance

17

Fueling

18

Environmental Considerations

19

Chapter Review

HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (HIN)

  • A 12-digit number permanently embossed or stamped into the transom of recreational boats since 1972.
  • From 1972 – 1986, the HIN could be placed anywhere on the transom (many times under the outboard engine). From 1986 through present, the HIN is located 2” below the gunwale on the starboard side.
  • Similar to vehicle identification numbers (VIN), the HIN identifies a specific boat and is a main source of information used to establish ownership.
  • Check that your registration does not begin with “US”. The 12 character HIN follows this two character identifier of the country the hull was built in and if used will NOT give the correct HIN for your title or registration papers.
  • Altered, or missing HINs indicate legal problems. Buyers must check and verify the HIN against the registration to ensure they are not buying a boat that might have an ownership or certification problem.
  • If you believe a HIN has been altered, or is missing, contact your state boating agency, local police, or USCG.

   
Copyright © 2004-2007 American Boating Education
Last Modified: April 28, 2005