How to Search for Boat Damage by Hull Number
Just as if you were buying a used car, you want to know where your boat has been, done, seen and been through. The best way to obtain this information is by the legally mandated hull identification number (HIN). These numbers must be present both on the boat's documents but also imprinted on two places on the boat's hull, one exposed, one unexposed. This number -- much like the VIN on your car -- can be used to retrieve information about your hull's previous conditions and owners.
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Instructions
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Find the HIN on your boat either through its documentation or its specific location on the hull itself. Check with the manufacturer for the unexposed HIN, which will be hidden under a fixture or piece of hardware that will have lessened its chances of being tampered.
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Use the HIN to search for your boat's history through a database of HIN history. These are available through services such as Boatfax, Boat History Report, or the Coast Guard's database, which will also include recalls from manufacturer that you may not have been aware of (see References).
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Pay for your HIN history through a reliable service, and file it away for your records. You can then pass it on to any subsequent owners. This will help you in selling your boat and assessing the amount of insurance that will be accurate for your needs.
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References
- Photo Credit motor boat. power boat image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
