Covering Hull Number

Kamper · 09-28-2015, 07:13 AM

If the original numbers aren't visible for inspection, things will get awkward if they are ever checked. I expect the boat might be impounded and the swim platform removed to make the numbers visible. There might be a fine and quite probably you would be responsible for the costs and any damages.

You can expect to repeat this procedure when checked by any other jurisdiction. You will likely be told to not re-install the swim platform so it may not come to that!

It may not be 'practical' but if you really want that particular platform, get a mechanic to cut an inspection port in the right spot. The only other alternatives that I can see are to get a different boat or try another platform design.

Good luck!

Dave R · 09-28-2015, 08:00 AM

I would just buy an 8mm metal stamp set on ebay and some color matched gelcoat from Spectrum Color, then melt the HIN into a part of the hull that is visible when the platform is installed, and gelcoat over it. Would take an hour or two to do. It may not even be illegal and the numbers will match the other HIN that's somewhere else in your boat.

Here are the legal requirements: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx...se33.2.181_117 Nowhere in there does it say you can't add a third HIN and it does have an exception for the situation where an accessory prevents normal placement of the HIN.

fatlazyless · 09-28-2015, 08:06 AM

Making a rubbing of the numbers can be helpful .....using a pencil and paper and some masking tape to hold the paper in place over the hull numbers while you rub out the rubbing.

For registering a 30-year old fiberglass sailboat, and providing hull identification at time of registration without having the boat present, the MP suggested I create a rubbing .... just like what's done with an old grave stone...and the MP looked up the 17-digit hull number in their computer info reference data-base to match up the sailboat with the hull number....and it worked out hunky-dory.....because it was a dory!

You just show up at the temporary MP-Hqtrs in Laconia, next to the county jail, and bring along your rubbing etching, pencil drawing paper for positive identification, and they will take it from there!

09-28-2015, 08:06 AM	#3
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 9,173 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 310 Thanked 1,103 Times in 812 Posts	Making a rubbing of the numbers can be helpful .....using a pencil and paper and some masking tape to hold the paper in place over the hull numbers while you rub out the rubbing. For registering a 30-year old fiberglass sailboat, and providing hull identification at time of registration without having the boat present, the MP suggested I create a rubbing .... just like what's done with an old grave stone...and the MP looked up the 17-digit hull number in their computer info reference data-base to match up the sailboat with the hull number....and it worked out hunky-dory.....because it was a dory! You just show up at the temporary MP-Hqtrs in Laconia, next to the county jail, and bring along your rubbing etching, pencil drawing paper for positive identification, and they will take it from there! __________________ .... Banned for life from local thrift store!

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09-28-2015, 07:13 AM	#1
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,314 Thanks: 67 Thanked 172 Times in 128 Posts	If the original numbers aren't visible for inspection, things will get awkward if they are ever checked. I expect the boat might be impounded and the swim platform removed to make the numbers visible. There might be a fine and quite probably you would be responsible for the costs and any damages. You can expect to repeat this procedure when checked by any other jurisdiction. You will likely be told to not re-install the swim platform so it may not come to that! It may not be 'practical' but if you really want that particular platform, get a mechanic to cut an inspection port in the right spot. The only other alternatives that I can see are to get a different boat or try another platform design. Good luck!

09-28-2015, 08:00 AM	#2
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	I would just buy an 8mm metal stamp set on ebay and some color matched gelcoat from Spectrum Color, then melt the HIN into a part of the hull that is visible when the platform is installed, and gelcoat over it. Would take an hour or two to do. It may not even be illegal and the numbers will match the other HIN that's somewhere else in your boat. Here are the legal requirements: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx...se33.2.181_117 Nowhere in there does it say you can't add a third HIN and it does have an exception for the situation where an accessory prevents normal placement of the HIN.