HIN on a 1971 Pearson 33

[LandlockdSailor]

Ahoy sailors,

I am in negotiations to buy what I'm told is a 1971 Pearson 33'. in checking the HIN to get a history, I'm having the following problems:
- There doesn't seem to be a HIN molded on the actual hull (checked the transom and the bulkhead).
- The HIN on the Certificate of Title (Florida) does not start with "PEA" and does not end in 4 numbers. The 3rd digit from the end is a letter.
- Because of this last issue, it comes back as an error on all the boat history websites I've tried.

Any help? I realize that the Pearson 33 started being built in 1969 according to Sailboatdata.com; and that the HIN started being used in 1972, so a 1971 wouldn't necessarily have it.

So what should I be looking for to make sure this boat is legit? I'm buying a Florida licensed boat, but overseas, so want to make sure it's all good.

Thanks!

[Griz83]

I have a 1972 P-33. There is no HIN on it either. It is my understanding that the HIN was not required until Nov of 1972. So, there should be no worries there. What is the Hull number?

[Celestialsailor]

I do not believe HINs started until 1973.

"Does every boat have a HIN?

As per the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), all 1973 and newer model boats have HINs. If your boat is older, it probably does not have a HIN".

[SailingwithSoul]

My last boat, 1969 Peasron 300, had the HIN molded into the upper-transom on the starboard side. I almost missed it as it was previously painted over and the numbers were difficult to make out.

[roverhi]

The Federal law making HIN's mandatory didn't go into effect until 1973, IIRC. My '74 Westsail had one but my 1970 Columbia didn't. Doubt very much a '69 Pearson had a number on the hull. The only reason I know our 1969 P35 is #108 is because I found it written in pencil hidden in the backside of some woodwork I removed. The brass plague with the number was buried in a drawer where some PO had thrown it. By the time I found it, had purchased a new plaque.

[LandlockdSailor]

Thank you all for your replies. Aside from reading in different forums that the "problem" is very common and nothing to be too worried about, we also called the Florida and the Tax Collector's Office staff were very nice and were able to check the title for me. All good to go, hoping to close by Thursday and spend the weekend on-board.
Good times!