Hull Identification Number

[stevec195]

Dear All,
After owning my vessel for 3 years and having no difficulty documenting or registering her, the Republic of Coastal Alabama has suddenly changed the way they do business. Apparently, last year-any registration applications or renewals are shared in real time with the Marine police. Upon attempting to re register this year, my application (opportunity to pay tax) was rejected by the marine police based on "A HIN not conforming to standard". Sure enough, my HIN only has 11 characters. Hung my head over the transom-yup, still only 11 characters albeit with a -MKII at the end which would make it then 15 characters if you counted that. My HIN conforms to the protocol all the way through manufacturer, model, and serial number only to get bolloxed up in the date area. The local probate office has been very responsive, but in the end, it looks like the Marine police want to issue a "state issued HIN". Can't imagine what a pain this will be relative my USCG documentation, insurance, etc...anyone else had this happen???


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Orion Jim]

Is there an Allied Seawind owners group you can pose this question to? Lots of Allied boats out there, this can't be unique.

[stevec195]

Yup, already done. So far, I haven't heard any responses from them. I did make application for a state issued HIN yesterday, hopefully this will allow me to register in state without having to change any documented vessel information as this sounds like a bunch of internal nonsense.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Kalinka1]

If your vessel is federally registered do you still have to register it with the State?

[lancelot9898]

I did have to change the HIN number with documentation papers when I discovered that the documentation papers did not match what was on the boat. When I bought the boat new in 1985, I never did notice that one letter was not correct. It went on for 20 years that way until I sold the boat to a friend. It was then discovered that the number on the paper did not match what was on the boat. I don't remember it really being a hassle in that a photo of the actual number was required as well as a tracing of the number. The documentation papers were changed and all is well. It may involve submitting new documentation to the Coast Guard for the change, but that was being done anyway since my friend now owned the boat. Contact them to see what is required to have a new number. (HIN number that is) The actual documentation number remained the same.

[stevec195]

At least in my case, all the USCG data agrees completely with what is on the transom. Will see.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[stevec195]

Kalinka,
That varies state to state. In my state, you only escape registration if the vessel is engaged in a commercial activity and is documented. Also, if not used for commercial activity and documented there is no need to display the state registry lettering but you still must pay your registration fee and technically display your renewal decal.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Orion Jim]

Originally Posted by stevec195

That varies state to state, there is no need to display the state registry lettering but you still must pay your registration fee and technically display your renewal decal.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

That's the way it is in Ct. also. It's a scam. All it is is an income stream for a corrupt government.