What information can you get by checking a hull identification number?

The hull identification number shows the boat’s manufacturer, its serial number, and the year and month of the boat’s manufacture. The number facilitates the registration of a boat and serves as its identifier.

Hull identification numbers help identify recalled boats and those involved in defect notifications. The initial three characters on the hull identification number are the manufacturer identification code, or MIC, which the Coast Guard assigns to importers and boat manufactures. The other letters and numbers make up the boat’s serial number, then its model year, month and year of manufacture. Home-built boats have an MIC code made up of the state’s abbreviation and identification.