HIN issue

Ok some of you know I picked up a 1973 16 a few weeks ago. It was registered in Jersey and I am in the process of registering it back in PA. I just got a letter back from PA saying I don't have enough digits in my HIN even though it was taken directly from the Jersey registration card. Here is where the issue becomes more serious. I can not find the HIN on the hulls. Perhaps due to previous repairs or maybe even my own the numbers are covered up? Is there any other way to get the HIN for my boat?

Here is what I have 2HOB725273. Is it possible that it is only 10 digits for a 73 hull?

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'73 hobie 16 restored 2011
'00 Seaswirl fishin boat

That's not even close to being a real HIN for a Hobie 16.

It should be of the format CCM B XXXX M73X

The number should be somewhere on the transoms. It could be under the deck lip, or behind the rudder pin (engraved vertically).

If the boat has been painted or repaired, the number could have been filled in by paint or sanded off. The number was engraved with a vibratory engraving tool, so it's not very deep.

Thanks I thought the number didn't match what i saw on the FAQ section.

Engraving tool + 37 years + transom repair + a crappy paint job from previous owner = not a chance in hell I'm going to find it.

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'73 hobie 16 restored 2011
'00 Seaswirl fishin boat

Make one up

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I wish winter was not so long in Sask. Canada. It's hard to sail on ice! 1984 16' hobie cat Sail# 84848

The number he has on the NJ registration was likely created by the NJ DMV for a previous owner to register the boat which had the number painted over.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Matt you are correct. I now have to do the same thing in PA. No big deal but had me worried for a few hours this morning.

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'73 hobie 16 restored 2011
'00 Seaswirl fishin boat