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Deduce Model from Stencil Number

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 7:48 am
by Keyaskom
Can the original model of a 16-foot hull be deduced from the [stencil number].

stencilNumber.jpg
Fig. 1. Stencil number read as 39224.
stencilNumber.jpg (7.26 KiB) Viewed 2017 times


I just picked up a 1969 16-footer with [stencil number] 39224.

Re: Deduce Model from Stencil Number

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 8:01 am
by jimh
Keyaskom wrote:Can the original model of a 16-foot hull be deduced from the [stencil number].
No. The model designation is not encoded in either the stencil number or the federal hull identification number.

At one time Boston Whaler customer service retained some old written records contained in a series of log books. The log books contained hull stencil numbers in order, the date of production, the dealer to which the hull was delivered, and the model that hull was finished as.

In Figures 1 and 2 below are two images that originally appeared in my article on my 2005 tour of the factory.

Image
Fig. 1. The famous "stencil number" books.

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Fig. 2. A sample page from the stencil number record books

I don't know if Boston Whaler still provides that service. If you can reach Boston Whaler customer service, and they can locate the stencil number for your hull in their records, please reply and let me know they could still do that.

Re: Deduce Model from Stencil Number

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 8:03 am
by jimh
Please read the REFERENCE article on the 16/17-foot hull at

The 16/17 Hull
https://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/16-17/

Please read the section under the heading

STENCIL or SERIAL NUMBERS

Re: Deduce Model from Stencil Number

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 11:29 am
by Keyaskom
Wow that would be incredible if they still have those books and can track down the number. I will try and contact them. Thanks!

Re: Deduce Model from Stencil Number

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2022 10:28 am
by Keyaskom
Hi All,
Just spoke with Bost Whaler. They were able to confirm my boat was a 17ft Katama built in July of 1968!