I'm considering buying a 17ft sailboat. Current owner doesn't know model - only available info is it's 17ft, 4 digit hull number - 3557 and Maine registration number B5Z8927. Is there any way to find out model by those numbers? There is also boat picture
How to find boat model by Maine registration and hull number
- Thread starter danila74
- Start date
If you have registration number, then you have a registration certificate. The model and manufacture of the boat should be listed on the registration. If there are only registration numbers but no "pink slip", then I might consider running away.
Next, depending on the year, there might be a HIN (Hull Identification Number) located on the transom in the upper right corner. Might be is the operative word.
Check the mainsail. If it is original it might have the manufactuer's logo on the sail. Might is the operative word here.
Since that is a nice photo, I am sure someone here will tell you everything you need to know about that boat.
Good luck
Next, depending on the year, there might be a HIN (Hull Identification Number) located on the transom in the upper right corner. Might be is the operative word.
Check the mainsail. If it is original it might have the manufactuer's logo on the sail. Might is the operative word here.
Since that is a nice photo, I am sure someone here will tell you everything you need to know about that boat.
Good luck
In Virginia the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries handles boat registration. I know that in VA I can call them with a registration number and they will tell me who the boat belongs to. The guy who runs the marina I stay at does this each year with delinquent boats that seem to arrive over the winter (he stays in Florida over winter). So find out who handles boat registration in Main and call them.
That looks to be a Thistle. Light, fast, active class association.
Since they were never designed to have a motor there may not be a title to the boat. Fun boats to sail, but sitting on the rail is tough, there isn't much rail.
Certainly looks like a Thistle. A great Lake or Bay boat. One Class racer. Fun day sailor.
Here is a picture of one.
http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=2943
Here is a picture of one.
http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=2943
How much money do you have?
Check the Thistle website. In these smaller one design classes there are usually a couple of lofts that build sails for the class call the loft. Also, the competitive folks in the Thistle fleet will be changing sails every year or two and will sell their old sails at a deep discount. These are usually in pretty good shape, but are not competitive at the highest levels.