Is there a standard location for the required hidden [Hull Identification Number] on a Boston Whaler boat?
[The location of a second hull identification number on my unidentified boat] was easy to find.
[Moderator's note: separated from a discussion about vehicle identification number or VIN locations on trailers. There is no VIN on a boat, only a HIN or hull identification number.]
Hidden HIN Location on Boston Whaler Boats
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- Posts: 39
- Joined: Tue Nov 15, 2022 4:05 pm
- Location: Alabama/Louisiana
Hidden HIN Location on Boston Whaler Boats
1990 Montauk 17’ w 1991 Mercury 90 HP outboard
1995 Aquasport Explorer 245 w twin 1995 Yamaha 150 HP outboards
1995 Aquasport Explorer 245 w twin 1995 Yamaha 150 HP outboards
Re: Hidden HIN Location on Boston Whaler Boats
The federal regulations on hull identification numbers are given at
33 CFR § 181.29 - Hull identification number display.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/33/181.29
Quoting from the above source:
I have not encountered the location of a second federal hull identification number on my 1990 REVENGE 22 Walk-Through Whaler Drive boat. The Boston Whaler stenciled hull number is located inside the forward starboard locker. The usual stenciled number on the transom on centerline is not visible; I think it might have been lost when the hull was reworked after molding to become a Whaler Drive model.
33 CFR § 181.29 - Hull identification number display.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/33/181.29
Quoting from the above source:
Federal Regulations 33 CFR § 181.29 wrote:(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.
I have not encountered the location of a second federal hull identification number on my 1990 REVENGE 22 Walk-Through Whaler Drive boat. The Boston Whaler stenciled hull number is located inside the forward starboard locker. The usual stenciled number on the transom on centerline is not visible; I think it might have been lost when the hull was reworked after molding to become a Whaler Drive model.
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- Posts: 39
- Joined: Tue Nov 15, 2022 4:05 pm
- Location: Alabama/Louisiana
Re: Hidden HIN Location on Boston Whaler Boats
I suppose "Hidden HIN" isn't the most accurate term, since the federal regulations refer to it as a "duplicate", and there is no statutory requirement to actually hide the number [Moderator’s note: this comment is incorrect. Please read the quoted portion of the federal regulations (above) which require the second HIN to he located in an “unexposed location.”]; some state agencies refer to it as a "secondary" HIN. The [unexposed] HIN on my 1990 Montauk 17 is inside the bow locker, as shown in this photo.
I plan to add a third HIN in a less visible location in case the boat is stolen and the other numbers are removed.
I plan to add a third HIN in a less visible location in case the boat is stolen and the other numbers are removed.
1990 Montauk 17’ w 1991 Mercury 90 HP outboard
1995 Aquasport Explorer 245 w twin 1995 Yamaha 150 HP outboards
1995 Aquasport Explorer 245 w twin 1995 Yamaha 150 HP outboards
Re: Hidden HIN Location on Boston Whaler Boats
Thanks for the update and photograph of the location of the required second HIN location on your 1990 MONTAUK 17.