Hull Number Identification and Meaning
What is my boat's hull number? When was it manufactured?
You'll find your boat's hull identification number (HIN) inscribed on the upper starboard portion of the transom. On older C34s without the walk-though transom, it's also inscribed behind the removable Catalina plate over the stem hatch lid. In addition, you'll find the HIN on your boat's official documents (including insurance certificates).
Hull identification numbers contain the following information:
MMMhhhhhddyy
- MMM = Manufacturer’s Identification Code
- hhhhh = Hull Serial Number
- dd = Date of Certification
- yy = Model Year
For example "A4": The "A" stands for January, the "B" would stand for February, etc. The "4" stands for the last digit of the year of manufacture. (Reference: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Skills & Seamanship, 11th Edition, pages 2-2 and 2-3.)
A real-life example: Juliana's HIN is CTYP0680A888. Therefore, it's a boat manufactured by Catalina Yachts with the serial number P0680 (hull 680); the boat was manufactured in January, 1988, and is an '88 by model year.
- The full text of the reg that governs the HIN placement is below, correct as of this date. -added 9/6/2020 - k Kloeber
33 CFR § 181.29 - Hull identification number display.
(a) The primary hull identification number must be affixed -
(1) On boats with transoms, to the starboard outboard side of the transom within two inches of the top of the transom, gunwale, or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest.
(2) On boats without transoms or on boats on which it would be impractical to use the transom, to the starboard outboard side of the hull, aft, within one foot of the stern and within two inches of the top of the hull side, gunwale or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest.
(3) On catamarans and pontoon boats which have readily replaceable hulls, to the aft crossbeam within one foot of the starboard hull attachment.
(4) If the hull identification number would not be visible, because of rails, fittings, or other accessories, the number must be affixed as near as possible to the location specified in paragraph (a) of this section.
(b) The duplicate hull identification number must be affixed in an unexposed location on the interior of the boat or beneath a fitting or item of hardware.
(c) Each hull identification number must be carved, burned, stamped, embossed, molded, bonded, or otherwise permanently affixed to the boat so that alteration, removal, or replacement would be obvious. If the number is on a separate plate, the plate must be fastened in such a manner that its removal would normally cause some scarring of or damage to the surrounding hull area. A hull identification number must not be attached to parts of the boat that are removable.
(d) The characters of each hull identification number must be no less than one-fourth of an inch high.
