Locate a HIN in the form of a black, gel-coated, stenciled number on boats made before 1972. On a larger boat, it will be molded into the cockpit liner. It will typically be placed at the bow of boat, often inside the center anchor-locker or in a locker on the starboard side. The HIN is commonly located on the inboard side of the transom in the splash-well on smaller boats. It will be 3 to 5 inches from the top of the transom.
Find a HIN in the form of an embossed metal tag for boats made after 1972. It will be attached by metal rivets on the starboard side, The tag is located a few inches from the gunwale on the outboard face of the transom.
Locat a HIN in the form of a molded or engraved number on the hull's surface; this is the standard for boats built after 1984. This HIN format is located on the starboard side, within a few inches of the gunwale on the outboard face of the transom.