Finding your HIN (hull serial number)

Your HIN is etched into the hull itself — stern, starboard side, near the top edge — not printed on a sticker or label.

Your HIN (Hull Identification Number) is etched directly into the hull — not printed on a sticker or a plate. Look on the stern, starboard side (the right-hand side when you're seated facing forward), near the top edge where the deck meets the hull — the back right corner when you're in the seat. If you're scanning the boat for a label, stop — there isn't one, and nothing is missing.

What it looks like

The HIN is a twelve-character code pressed or laser-etched directly into the HDPE, close to where the deck meets the hull, just above the gunwale near the rear handle. It's permanent — built to survive a decade of saltwater and sun — which is also why it's shallow and the same color as the hull, so it can be nearly invisible in flat light.

How to actually see it

Hold a flashlight at a low angle across the surface rather than pointing it straight on. The raking light throws a shadow into the etched characters and they appear.
Still can't see it? Run your fingers over the area — you'll feel the characters before you see them.
On a dark hull, a damp cloth wiped across the spot sometimes makes the etching stand out for a moment as it dries.
Boat's been in storage? A film of dust or grime can hide it — a quick rinse usually reveals it.
On older, sun-faded HDPE the etching can weather slightly, but it's still readable under a flashlight held at an angle.

Why we ask for it

The HIN identifies your exact hull. When you submit it on the claims form, it tells us which boat you have, the exact model and year (so we ship the right part), and whether it's in active warranty coverage based on first-sale date. Some states also require it for registration and titling. We can still help without it, but everything moves faster with it.

Still can't find or read it

Submit the claims form anyway and include a couple of close photos of the rear starboard corner — one straight on, one from a shallow angle. Our team can point to it on the picture, or match the boat from your purchase records. You don't need to file anything else or send the boat anywhere.

Where it isn't

The HIN is not on the seat, the rudder, the pedal drive, or a sticker anywhere on the hull. Those parts carry their own serials — or none at all. The HIN belongs to the hull only.