Free HIN Decoder for US & Canadian Boats
Enter any 12-character Hull Identification Number and instantly decode the manufacturer, model year, production date and country of origin — completely free.
Example: ABC12345D303 or YAMF1234A404
HIN Decoded Successfully
Want the Full Vessel History?
A HIN decode tells you what the boat is. A full history report reveals what it has been through — hurricane damage, theft, salvage, ownership and more.
What is a HIN Number?
A Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique 12-character code assigned to every boat built after 1972 in the United States and after 1975 in Canada. It is the marine equivalent of a VIN number for cars.
The HIN is required by law under US Coast Guard regulations (33 CFR Part 181) and Transport Canada regulations. It uniquely identifies the vessel, its manufacturer, and its production date. No two vessels share the same HIN.
You will find the HIN stamped or engraved on the starboard (right) side of the transom — the back panel of the boat. Since 1984 a duplicate HIN is also required in a hidden secondary location. The HIN also appears on your boat registration, title documents, and insurance papers.
A HIN decode reveals the manufacturer, model year, and production date. It does not show accident history, theft records, or damage history. For that you need a full boat history report.
Manufacturer ID (Positions 1–3)
3-letter MIC code assigned to the boat manufacturer by the US Coast Guard or Transport Canada. E.g. "YAM" = Yamaha, "SEA" = Sea Ray, "BOS" = Boston Whaler.
Hull Serial Number (Positions 4–8)
5-character serial number assigned by the manufacturer. Can be letters, numbers or both. Unique to this specific hull.
Month of Manufacture (Position 9)
Letter A–L representing January–December. "D" = April, "A" = January, "L" = December.
Production Year (Position 10)
Last digit of the production year. "3" = 2003 or 2013 or 2023. Used with position 11–12 to determine full year.
Model Year (Positions 11–12)
Last two digits of the model year. "03" = 2003, "24" = 2024. Manufacturers often produce boats one year ahead — a "04" model year may have been built in 2003.
Free HIN Decode vs Full Boat History Report
Know the difference between what a decode shows and what a full report reveals.
Free HIN Decode (This Tool)
Shows the manufacturer, country of origin, model year, production month and hull serial number. Good for confirming the vessel's identity and age before inspecting it.
Full Boat History Report (Recommended)
Reveals hurricane and storm damage, theft and seizure records, USCG and Transport Canada documentation, salvage history, accident records, all previous owners, and market value.
Why Canadian Boat Buyers Need This
Many boats sold in Canada were previously registered in US coastal states and may carry hidden hurricane or storm damage. A full report covers both Transport Canada and US Coast Guard records.
Ready for the Full Vessel History?
A HIN decode is just the start. Get a complete boat history report covering US and Canadian databases — delivered in 4–8 hours.
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