Buying second hand boat - HI number

The HIN number is normally engraved onto a plate somewhere on the boat, usually the transom
 
Normally it's moulded into the gelcoat on transom starboard side. Usually near the waterline, so it is in the hull not deck moulding. Some builders also insert a plate into the moulding - Fairline do it in the base of a port side wardrobe, for example

When buying or checking a boat always keep your antennae on max gain and look for other signs. It is pretty easy to mould in a new HIN to a transom, such that you can't tell it's not the original. I've seen a HIN retro moulded in to a finished boat, personally, with my own eyes and you can't tell
 
Top