Can you change a HIN?
With a few rare exceptions, NO! The HIN is specific and unique to each boat. The only time a change is every permitted is if it can proven that it was documented wrong originally.
What if the boat was stolen, stripped and rebuilt?
The HIN remains with the boat, even if it is completely dismantled. A great example I once read relates to muscles cars. If you take a 1959 Mustang and rebuild it with all new parts, is it still a 1959 Mustang? It works the same way with boats.
Can boat manufacturers change the HIN?
No! Never! In fact, it has been a problem in the past that a boat manufacturer would over manufacturer a particular model year of a boat and then upgrade it to make a new model and try to change the HIN to reflect the upgrades. Unfortunately, this can cost the manufacturer up to $2000 a boat in penalties and fines.
Where do I register my HIN?
Registration can be done through the US Coast Guard. Click here for the form. The fees associated with documenting it can be found here.
Do I have to register my HIN with the Coast Guard?
Not necessarily but it is higly recommended. The following statement is taken directly from the Coast Guards Website: "Vessels of five net tons or more used in fishing activities on navigable waters of the U.S. or in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), or used in coastwise trade must be documented unless the vessel is exempt from documentation."
With a few rare exceptions, NO! The HIN is specific and unique to each boat. The only time a change is every permitted is if it can proven that it was documented wrong originally.
What if the boat was stolen, stripped and rebuilt?
The HIN remains with the boat, even if it is completely dismantled. A great example I once read relates to muscles cars. If you take a 1959 Mustang and rebuild it with all new parts, is it still a 1959 Mustang? It works the same way with boats.
Can boat manufacturers change the HIN?
No! Never! In fact, it has been a problem in the past that a boat manufacturer would over manufacturer a particular model year of a boat and then upgrade it to make a new model and try to change the HIN to reflect the upgrades. Unfortunately, this can cost the manufacturer up to $2000 a boat in penalties and fines.
Where do I register my HIN?
Registration can be done through the US Coast Guard. Click here for the form. The fees associated with documenting it can be found here.
Do I have to register my HIN with the Coast Guard?
Not necessarily but it is higly recommended. The following statement is taken directly from the Coast Guards Website: "Vessels of five net tons or more used in fishing activities on navigable waters of the U.S. or in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), or used in coastwise trade must be documented unless the vessel is exempt from documentation."
