What is a HIN number?

A WIN (watercraft identification number), HIN (hull identification number), CIN (craft identification number), hull number, serial number, engraved boat number… we have heard every terminology you’ve got. So what do they mean?

For example:

GBFLN12345H607

This boat has the letters GB to indicate Great Britain. The letters FLN indicate the brand. 12345 offers a serial number for the boat. H indicates the month it was built – A being January, B being February, C being March, D being April etc. The six indicates the boat was built in 2006 but the 07 indicates it is a 2007 model year boat. Boat production years do not run January to January so this is very common.

US-BLBN1234J819

This boat has US to indicate USA. The letters BL offer a Bayliner brand indicator. BN for factory reference. 1234 becomes the boat build number. J is the 10th letter of the alphabet so therefore this boat was built in the 10th month of the year being October. It is a 2019 production year boat but built in 2018.

Where do I find the hull identification number?

It is marked on the boat in two places, one on the starboard side of the transom and a second hidden within the boat. The CIN is usually moulded or etched into the fabric of the boat hull to ensure permanency.

What if my boat has a HIN and a CIN? or the HIN is covered over?

It has sometimes been the case where a boat has been imported privately into the UK; quite often known as a “gray import”. They are usually USA specification boats / non EU and do not have CE approval, 240v electric compatibility and varying factory fitted extras.

If you have bought a boat unknowingly, it is possible to have a CE conversion carried out with a contractor.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

DISCLAIMER: The text, places and opinions expressed in the text above are offered in good faith. Any action taken upon from the information on this website is strictly at your own risk; and Bates Wharf Marine Sales Ltd will not be liable for any losses or damage in connection to the use of our website.