Where the heck is the HIN? 2006 H33

[syoun10]

My 2006 H33 had a Vessel Safety Check (VSC - see below for what that is) today and failed because neither I, nor the inspector, could find the Hull Identification Number (HIN). Although I've owned the boat since new, I've never had the need to look for it before. The inspector expected to find it stamped into the outside of the hull on or about the stern on the starboard side.

So.... can anybody tell me where the HIN is stamped on a 2006 Hunter 33? Seems like a simple & basic thing - but we couldn't find it!

BTW In case anybody doesn't know, the VSC is a program sponsored by the US Coast Guard and run by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and/or US Power Squadron. You subject your boat, on voluntary basis, to be inspected. If it passes, they give you a sticker for your port-side window. It helps in the situation where you are on the water and the Coast Guard approach you with the intention of boarding to do a routine check. When they see the sticker, they are very likely to not bother you, and go check someone else instead.

 

[Kermit]

The HIN is under the starboard rubrail near the rear of my H260. Your stern and mine look similar. Check a little forward of where the transom would be.

 

[Scott B]

That's where mine is, stbd just under the rub rail. It's not that big and lightly stamped into the fibreglass. It's not on the stern, it's on the stbd side.

 

[Benny17441]

What does the HIN # have to do with a Safety Check? Is that a new Homeland Security requirement? Won't the State numbers do or the USCG registration number from the vessel documentation? Are they also being tasked to looking for stolen vessels?

 

[syoun10]

Benny, I think the answer to your question is that the Coast Guard will look for your boat's HIN# if they board you for an on-water check. So the VSC pre-checks it for them so they have confidence, if they see your sticker, that all the things they would normally look for are in order.

And, yes, - since the Coast Guard are part of Homeland Security, I guess this could be said to be a Homeland Security requirement. Whether it's to check for stolen vessels, or to take precautions against terrorism, I'm not sure. Probably both!

What does the HIN # have to do with a Safety Check? Is that a new Homeland Security requirement? Won't the State numbers do or the USCG registration number from the vessel documentation? Are they also being tasked to looking for stolen vessels?

 

[Benny17441]

Thanks for the information. I have been boarded by the USCG and they were content with taking the HIN# from the boat's documentation. I have utmost respect for volunteers but sometimes they are no help. We once had a soft grounding on a tight canal in the Florida Keys. This volunteer association approached in a well marked vessel and asked if we needed any help. I said, yeas I'll throw you a line give us a pull. Oh we are not authorized to do that, was their answer. I asked what kind of help are you offering and they said we can call a tow boat for you and stand-by until they get here. I said, "thank you but I have radio and telephone and unlimited towing insurance and please get away from our boat as all these boats going by are thinking we are being helped. No sooner they left a boat stopped and easily pulled us out. I tried to rationalize that perhaps at night and in foul weather their help might have been welcomed but then realized they only patrol in daylight and fair weather. I have a friend in the auxiliary and a nephew who is a Master Chief in the USCG and greatly respect the service they provide.