The Hull Identification Number

All boats manufactured or imported on or after November 1, 1972 must bear a HIN. The HIN is a 12 character identification number unique to that vessel. The primary HIN must be permanently affixed (so that it can be seen from outside the boat) to the starboard side of the transom within two inches of the top of the transom, gunwale or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest. Also, the vessel's numbers and letters are required to be no less than 1/4" in height. The specific format of Hull Identification Numbers have changes slightly over the years, and the following will only apply to the format after August 1st 1984. 

• The first three letters of a HIN number refer to the vessel's manufacturer identification code. 
  I will typically use this resource to verify those numbers.  MANUFACTURERS IDENTIFICATION
  
• The next 5 digits refer to the vessel's serial number. Often, but not always, the first two digits of that number are the model length followed by the hull number. In the example above, that would be a 65' model that was hull number 001. 
  
• The last 4 digits refer to the build and model years. A = January, B = February and so on. In the example above, H would indicate the vessel was certified or manufactured in August of 2019, and the final 2 digits indicate the model year, in this case, 2020.  

Here's an example of a 'Quick Insert Option' phrase I have saved and ready to go whenever I find a vessel manufactured after 1972 that does not have a HIN displayed. Feel free to adjust the following phrase and copy/paste into your version of InspectX for when you come across something similar. I have this finding saved under VESSEL DOCUMENTATION and 'HIN (Hull Identification Number) Compliance (33 CFR 181)'.

A U.S.C.G. mandated twelve character HIN (Hull Identification Number) was not displayed on the starboard upper transom corner, nor was it found at a hidden area of the vessel.  Check the builder's Certificate of Origin and address as required for compliance. All boats manufactured or imported on or after November 1, 1972 must bear a HIN. The primary HIN must be permanently affixed (so that it can be seen from outside the boat) to the starboard side of the transom within two inches of the top of the transom, gunwale or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest.