In 1972, all boats that were manufactured in, or imported into the United States had to have a VIN (vehicle identification number) number stamped on it. Also known as HIN (hull identification number), it is a 12-character serial number which will uniquely identify the boat.
But where is the VIN number on a pontoon boat and where can you find it?
Each pontoon boat will have the VIN or HIN number in a different place, but in the majority of cases it will be located towards the right-hand rear side of the pontoon. It will typically be stamped onto the boat’s frame or onto a plate riveted to the frame.
Having a clearly displayed HIN or VIN number is required by federal law, with the HN alo be printed onto the boat registration application.
VIN numbers look something like this:
This is what the VIN number could look like on your pontoon boat.
As you can see, it’s made up of 12 characters, with three letters at the start. The format of the pontoon VIN number will be:
- Manufacturer
- Five-character serial number
- Month and year of manufacture
- Year of manufacture
Table of Contents
What to Do if the VIN Number is Missing or Illegible
So, what do you do if you can’t find a VIN number on your boat?
A missing or unreadable VIN number can be a problem when registering your boat, reselling it, or dealing with insurance claims. If your boat doesn’t have a VIN number, you should deal with it promptly.Â
Below are some tips for what to do if the VIN number on your pontoon is missing or illegible.Â
Inspect the boat thoroughly
Make sure to inspect your boat thoroughly before concluding the VIN number is actually missing. Sometimes the VIN can be hidden or covered by dirt or debris.Â
Pay particular attention to the area around the transom, hull, or other common areas VIN numbers are situated on pontoon boats.Â
If you still can’t find it, check the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for guidance on where the VIN is located.
Contact the manufacturer or dealer
If you’re certain the VIN number is missing or illegible, contact the boat’s manufacturer or the dealership where you bought it from.Â
The manufacturer or dealership should be able to provide you with the VIN.Â
In some cases, they may issue a replacement VIN plate, which you can put on your boat yourself.
Document the issue
Make sure to keep a record of the missing or illegible VIN and how you try to resolve the issue. Keep track of mail, email, or text messages, pertaining to the issue of your missing VIN.Â
You may need this documentation for registration, insurance, or resale purposes.
Consult local authorities
Finally, depending on your jurisdiction, you may need to report a missing or illegible VIN to your local authorities. Such as the Department of Motor Vehicles or an equivalent agency that registers boats.Â
Your local authorities can provide more information on the steps to take to get whatever required documentation you may need.Â
Why HIN / VIN numbers are important on pontoon boats
The HIN (or VIN) serves an important safety purpose on pontoon boats, or any other boat. It lets the manufacturer clearly identify where the boat has come from, should it be defective and require a recall.
They are not the same thing as local state registration numbers, as registration numbers are more similar to how you have a license plate on your car as an identifier.
VIN and HIN numbers will be different depending on when your pontoon boat was manufactured. Here’s how they differ depending on the date.Â
HIN numbers pre-August 1st, 1984
The boat manufacturer must display two identical hull identification numbers, no less than one-fourth of an inch high, on each boat hull.
The primary HIN must be permanently affixed (so that it can be seen from outside the boat) to the starboard side of the transom within two inches of the top of the transom, gunwale, or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest.
On boats without transoms or on pontoon boats on which it would be impractical to the transom, the HIN must be affixed to the starboard outboard side of the hull, aft within one foot of the stern and within two inches of the top of hull side, gunwale, or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest.
The starboard outboard side of the hull aft is the preferred HIN location for many manufacturers. On catamarans and pontoon boats the HIN must be affixed on the aft crossbeam within one foot of the starboard hull attachment.
HIN numbers post-August 1st, 1984
Boats manufactured or imported on or after August 1, 1984, also have a duplicate secondary HIN affixed somewhere on an unexposed location inside the boat or beneath a fitting or item of hardware. The purpose is to help authorities identify your boat if a thief or vandals remove or damage the primary HIN on the transom.
It is illegal for anyone (manufacturer, dealer, distributor, or owner) to alter or remove a HIN without the express written authorization of the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard.Â
The last word…
So there you have it, that’s where the VIN or HIN number is located on a pontoon boat!
You might also be interested in my guide to replacing your pontoon boat capacity plate (read here).
