How to Check Boat VIN Numbers
When in the market for a used vehicle, it is relatively easy to check the history of a car, truck or SUV. These checks can reveal potential problems that can warn a potential buyer away, potentially saving them from purchasing a lemon. With other types of vehicles, however, it is more difficult for the buyer to be aware. Internet sites and providing checks for boat VINs are not widely advertised, and it can be difficult for potential buyers to know where to search.
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Things You'll Need
- Vehicle Identification Number or Hull Identification Number (HIN)
- Yellow pages
- Telephone
- Computer
Instructions
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How to Check Boat VIN Numbers
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1
Contact by telephone the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the state where the boat was last owned. Confirm that the Hull Identification Number (HIN) matches the one the DMV has on file and that there are no outstanding liens on the boat.
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2
Determine the MIC portion of the HIN. The MIC is the manufacturer information embedded in the HIN and makes up the HIN's first 3 digits.
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3
Visit the U.S. Coast Guard Safety website to learn about safety problems with specific boating manufacturers and complete the search form (see link in Resources).
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4
Visit the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Information Exchange to check for any reports about the boat (see link in Resources). Fill in all the information available about the boat.
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5
Obtain the BoatFax report for the vessel (see link in Resources). It will detail any accidents that may have taken place with the boat as well as other information. There will be a cost for this service that must be paid with a credit card.
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Resources
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Comments
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how do I find out about a boat with the title number.
