Check a boat’s history before you buy it
Boats are tracked by hull ID, and their records sit with individual states and the Coast Guard. Enter the HIN to read what the hull ID says and see what a boat report looks for.
What a boat report looks for
Title and registration records
Ownership and registration records held by the state where the boat was titled.
Coast Guard documentation
For larger vessels, the federal documentation record that shows owners and recorded claims.
Lien and loan records
Whether a lender still has a claim on the boat.
Theft reports
Whether the hull has been reported stolen and not recovered.
Hull ID check
Whether the HIN is in a valid format and matches the build date the seller states.
Not sure how to read the result? See a sample report.
Questions about boat reports
Where do I find a boat’s HIN?
Look on the upper right side of the transom, the flat panel at the back of the boat. Boats built since 1972 carry one. Many also have a second hidden HIN somewhere inside the hull. If the two do not match, walk away.
Why do boat records vary by state?
Cars have a national title system. Boats do not. Records are split between states and the Coast Guard, and coverage differs from place to place. A report shows what exists for that hull, and we say so when a state has nothing on file.
Do I still need a marine survey?
Yes. A history report reads records. A marine surveyor inspects the hull, engine and systems in person. For any boat of real value, pay for the survey before you pay for the boat.
Is a history report the same as an inspection?
No. A history report shows what official and commercial records say about a vehicle. It cannot tell you the vehicle’s condition today. Before you pay, have a mechanic look at it in person.