Hull Identification Numbers: HEADS UP

[Daddy Dave]

At last weekend's FAA meeting , FWC / DLE officials put out the warning to all airboaters, specially those with hulls marked "Homemade" to have Hull Identification Numbers (HIN) properly and permanently displayed on the starboard (right side facing forward) corner of the transom.

This number is listed on the boat title and MUST be permanently affixed to the transome of all motor vessels.

Do not assume that a hull manufactured by a company has this number affixed as required. Many hull manufacturers are mis-informed that VIN / HIN are not required unless the boat is sold as a complete rig. FWC / DLE position is if the hull floats, it requires a VIN. If it does not float when purchased and significant work is required to make the vessel hull float, a HIN is required. HIN Numbers are required on all vessels titled as 'homemade". Their position is this number VIN or HIN must be permanently and legibly inscribed into the hull or a number plate must be permanently affixed to the hull.

They warned FAA that VIN / HIN inspections would be done on all airboats stopped for any purpose on Florida waters. This, they said, is proimarily in response to the ongoing rash of airboat thefts.

 

[basketcase0302]

Big Daddy,

This topic was brought up on the chat session last Tuesday night. I think there was one member who had no such number on his hull, I hope he reads this topic.

I agree with the "pros" of having the number! Good way to track down stolen boats.

Basketcase

 

[jim]

I agree that it is a good idea, BUT if the state of Florida titled the boat with something other than a hull identification number on it, that seems to me to be evidence that the state of Florida was ok with it at that time.

edit:

Well, I looked up the law, and here it is:

http://www.flsenate.gov/statutes/in...y_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0328/Sec07.HTM

It looks like if it was titled without the number it was an error and it needs the number if it was built after 1972 and maybe before also.

It says they can confiscate the boat if there are no numbsers.

Jim

 

[Anonymous]

My hull has no number on it. Can I still "engrave" it and be ok?

 

[Croc1]

you need to bring your boat to the tax collectors / tag office the main reason they want it is to know tax was paid for the materials to make it I have done it many times just get reciepts together just a few they dont check every nut and bolt just the main stuff and go down they will give you the number and then stamp them or engrave them on. i have also got buy once buy saying the materials came from scraps laying around my shed but you should have seen the boat and I had the girl who hung around the fish camp and knew me just lucky. remeber the reason you go to the tag office is to pay the tax on your purchase and registration fee so thats what they want to see is you paid the tax for the boat or the materials used to build it since you are the end user of the materials purchased its a state sales tax deal

 

[Daddy Dave]

Early last Sunday morning a week ago, ( 1:00 am or so) an airboater was brought in to the ramp at Camp Mack by FWC / DLE. He was sited for gun and light and a few other things. His (reportedly his fathers) boat was impounded because it did not have any homemade hull identification numbers - as asigned by the state. A week later, it was still impounded - according to the owner at last wek's KRVSA meeting.

 

[Rich Andrews]

LOL...the only reason why they want numbers is because the state wants their money. Not some BS about stolen boats they just want tax money. But I like the idea, keeps the dishonest folk halfway honest.

 

[hillrunnerfl]

I thought you had to have the Hull ID numbers on the transom and also hidden in another location, like under the deck. Any word on that?

 

[cntry141iq]

all i saw is to write them down and put them somewhere other than the boatr in case your boatr is stolen. I always have mine in my wallet I never leave the registration on my boat or in my truck If I am there It is there If They stael it they wont get the registration.

 

[UncleBubba]

That is what I do with mine cntry. I keep it next to the ol heart. In the wallet in the poket.

 

[goldhunter_2]

hillrunner is correct the CG requires homebuilt or store bought to carry TWO sets of the hull ID one on the transom and one towards the bow hidden like under the deck, braces etc... in case it is stolen . most theifs are not smart enough to look for both plates.


As far as the kits and ID numbers they are selling you materials and there labor when you "build" the boat you are considered the builder and there for YOU are required to install the Hull Id plates along with the capcity plate