VIN # for my boat...

[dstouten]

I have a 1972 Islander Sailboat and I just signed up for the Baha Ha Ha. I need to find the physical place on my boat where the identification number is located. I have it on my registration, but I need to find it on my boat.

HELP PLEASE.

[Stu Jackson]

A Google search on HIN (hull ID #) would advise that it is usually under the top edge of the transom, starboard side. Some older boats may not have them, i forget the year. Latitude 38 wrote all this up when they were discussing the new TIP forms as well as last years Mexican bureaucratic madness.

[dstouten]

THANKS Stu... I am familiar with the discussion and as I just signed up for the Baha Ha Ha, I am now looking for my HIN#. I looked at the aft end of the boat and could find no place where there was a number on either starboard or port sides. My transom is smooth in that area. Would anyone know of a secondary place where they would have put it. Mine is a 1972.

[gordwedman]

I have the same problem. I am entry number 74. I found my HIN on the stern but it is mostly obscured by paint. I have had an engraving shop make me a metal plaque that I will pop rivet/glue to the starboard side of the hull just below the cap rail. That is how the HIN is displayed on Bavaria yachts. Since I have paper documentation showing my HIN I don't see why the plaque wouldn't be OK. I'm sure the Mexican authorities just want to be able to see a number on your boat that matches what you put on the TIP. I doubt they care what it looks like. From what I read it seems some boats were impounded because the HIN could not be easily seen so making it obvious might make everyone happy.
PS: I have a windvane on the stern which adds to the impossibility of seeing the original HIN.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by dstouten

THANKS Stu... I am familiar with the discussion and as I just signed up for the Baha Ha Ha, I am now looking for my HIN#. I looked at the aft end of the boat and could find no place where there was a number on either starboard or port sides. My transom is smooth in that area. Would anyone know of a secondary place where they would have put it. Mine is a 1972.

You could read the Lat 38 reports, like this one:

Latitude 38 - 'Lectronic Latitude

In addition, the auditors, who clearly knew nothing about boats, confused engine brands with boat models, didn't know where to look for engine serial numbers, didn't realize that boats built before '74 and many foreign-built boats never had HIN numbers, and much more.

[sailorchic34]

HIN numbers were not placed on boats until November 1972. Before that there was nothing. So an early 72 boat would not have one.

Think the brass plate with a HIN number is a very good idea.

Mine is 6 digits made up by the DMV some time ago.