Hull Number Decoding

[65Bowrider]

Back in the 60's the boats were just numbered sequentially. I think the first numbers started at 100 for the original 21 foot SeaCrafts. I think the 19' bowriders then started at either 300 or 400. There was also a 15 foot runabout, and then the 20 foot Center Consoles came out and had the higher numbers. It was a very simple numbering scheme and they would jump a hundred or so when a new model came out. I can try to find out more info if you'd like.

[wavelength]

This is good lesson in boat buying. Always check the tiltle against the hull number.

Before I retired from the FMP/FWC I worked alot of title fraud and altered HIN number investigations. It's a third degree felony to knowingly sell or purchase a boat with an altered HIN and or title in Florida. Florida leads the nation in stolen boats so you have to really check. In your case as an officer, during a stop the registration said 1979 and HIN said 1976 I would have seized the boat on the spot. You may or may not get the boat back depending what the title history shows. I've seen stolen boats sold two or three times to unsuspecting people and the guy who had it last is always out his money and might end up charged with theft. Be careful of the deal that sounds to good to be true... You guys replacing transoms it's your responsablity to be sure the HIN is placed back on the new one.

If your looking at a boat and the numbers don't match contact your local Marine Patrol or whoever investigates boat theft in your area or I can put you in touch with someone through IAMI, International Association of Marine Investigators.

http://www.iamimarine.org/iami/

[ScottM]

One other thing to be aware of - most states will assign a 12-character HIN to those boats that are either missing the original HIN or were built before standardized HINs were created. My '72 Seabird has a HIN that was assigned by the MA registration bureau. When I first saw it on the title, I questioned the number because it looked strange, but after talking with MA registry officials, they explained what it was.

[wavelength]

In Florida if the state issues the HIN for whatever reason it will begin with FLZ. One way the bad guys get titles for stolen boats is to say its "homemade". They fill out a statement of builder and say it's 15'9" the state issues an FLZ number HIN and Fl registration. All boats over 16' and "homemade" must be inspected by a law enforcement officer. Then the bad guy puts the numbers on the stolen Sea Ray etc. and unless he gets stopped he's home free. Our they use the boat to go to Cuba pick up people and run back leave it someplace and go get another one.

We're still trying to change the law that ALL "homemade" boat must be inspected.

Here is another group that can be helpful, I'm past president. http://www.fmiu.org/

[thewalshies]

Here is a pic of the plate

[LEVERETTE5]

My boat is a 1973 SF,I have not been able to find the metal plate but my title identfication number is F3002.Any info on this? Keith

[wavelength]

In Fl. anything built after 1972 is required to have a HIN. In your case in Fl. they would issue you an FLZ number. Maybe thats a number assigned by your state?

[JW-Tex]

I hve 1969 with the aluminum plate exactly like Puckyuck, the boat was purchased in North Carolina and was still using an FLZ number (in NC) from at some point when it was registered in Florida. When I registered it in Florida it took a little while but they were able to pull up the old number (and histroy) and reactivate it. My FLZ number is only on the title no plate on boat with the number anywhere.

[wavelength]

JW
You can do several things. It is required by law to be permanently affixed to the starboard side of the transom. Get a metal plate and have the number engraved at a min. of 1/8th inch letters and rivit it to the transon. Then it's not a bad idea to mark it several places inside, out of sight that only you know the location...just in case...
or
Contact DHSMV and see if they will issue you a metal tag this is what they do for homemades now.

[Rybones]

I am re-coring my transom and in the process have to replace the old "Florida Department of Natural Resources, Division of Law enforcement" (Now FWC) sticker with HIN that is on it because the original Stamped HIN was partially obscured. Yes, I'm having a permanently affixed plate made for it. However close, my HIN doesnt exactly follow the conventions mentioned in the message string found here and it has me curious what it means.

it is "SECF0373M74C".

I dont understand what the "M" and The "C" in there.

Hull#373?
March
1974

Is anyone able to figure this one out?