CONTINUOUSWAVE

Is there a standard location for the required hidden [Hull Identification Number] on a Boston Whaler boat?

[The location of a second hull identification number on my unidentified boat] was easy to find.

[Moderator's note: separated from a discussion about vehicle identification number or VIN locations on trailers. There is no VIN on a boat, only a HIN or hull identification number.]

The federal regulations on hull identification numbers are given at

33 CFR § 181.29 - Hull identification number display.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/33/181.29

Quoting from the above source:

Federal Regulations 33 CFR § 181.29 wrote:(b) The duplicate hull identification number must be affixed in an unexposed location on the interior of the boat or beneath a fitting or item of hardware.

I have not encountered the location of a second federal hull identification number on my 1990 REVENGE 22 Walk-Through Whaler Drive boat. The Boston Whaler stenciled hull number is located inside the forward starboard locker. The usual stenciled number on the transom on centerline is not visible; I think it might have been lost when the hull was reworked after molding to become a Whaler Drive model.

I suppose "Hidden HIN" isn't the most accurate term, since the federal regulations refer to it as a "duplicate", and there is no statutory requirement to actually hide the number [Moderator’s note: this comment is incorrect. Please read the quoted portion of the federal regulations (above) which require the second HIN to he located in an “unexposed location.”]; some state agencies refer to it as a "secondary" HIN. The [unexposed] HIN on my 1990 Montauk 17 is inside the bow locker, as shown in this photo.


I plan to add a third HIN in a less visible location in case the boat is stolen and the other numbers are removed.

Thanks for the update and photograph of the location of the required second HIN location on your 1990 MONTAUK 17.