A Guide to Boat VIN Check Before Buying Used Boats

Let’s start with the basics and know first what is a boat VIN. In the world of boats, the equivalent of a vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is the HIN (Hull Identification Number). Just like a fingerprint that is exclusive to a person, a unique serial number is allotted to a boat that identifies it in the areas of finance, recalls, insurance, registration, titling, and more. Before buying a used boat, a stolen boat VIN check will also tell you whether there are any issues with law enforcement. Even though VIN for vehicles and HIN for boats are quite different, they are often used interchangeably.

When buying a used boat, if the dealer or broker listing has not provided you with a stolen boat VIN check report, ask for the HIN and you can run your report. The HIN is a serial number that distinguishes one boat from another. All boats built after November 1,1972, must have the HIN in the approved format. The HIN can be seen on a metal or plastic plate typically on the transom of the boat on the right starboard side within a couple of inches from the top of the transom, gunwale, or deck joint whichever is lower.


When you get a stolen boat VIN check report, it is not only about the negative aspects like legalities of title but a lot of positive information too. You get the state of registration, title data, and all specifications of the boat like the year of manufacture, length, propulsion, model, recall, and warranty details. You can at once know if the boat you are buying is worth the investment and that you can get a clear title to it once you seal the contract after payment.

Getting a stolen boat VIN check report is also critical before buying a used boat for another reason and that is, if you inadvertently buy stolen property, the law enforcement officers can take it away from you. They will not consider that you were not in the know and that you have spent money on it. It might not hurt for small sums but consider the case of a boat you spent $15,000 to buy. What happens if the boat is taken away from you and given back to the rightful owner? You lose both the boat and your money. Hence, get a stolen boat VIN check and if the report is negative, go right ahead and buy the boat of your dreams.

Finally, coming to the all-important question, how do you run a stolen boat VIN check? Log into a website that specializes in issuing such reports, download a form, fill in the particulars of the boat along with VIN, and click the Submit button. Within seconds, a concise report will be sent to you by SMS and a detailed report at your email address.

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