Secondary HIN Help Needed

[markmg434]

My son purchased a 1977 Aquasport 17 ft Center Console. We are trying to locate the hull identification number. I believe it is to be on the transom on the back. But the previous owner modified the top and inside of the transom to make a live well and I believe he covered it up. Why he would do this I have no idea. we have the number on the registration paperwork but need to be able to take a picture of it on the boat.

Can you tell me if there is a second location for this number on the hull? My son recently left to serve in the Army and I am trying resolve this for him.

[mshugg]

The second hull ID plate requirement was put in place well after 1977, so yours won’t have one.  Your best bet is to get a plate engraved and attach it to the transom.  You can even get a second plate and put it in a secondary location.

[wingtime]

77 would have a riveted on aluminum HIN plate.  I doubt there is a hidden one.  If so I would suspect it is under the rubrail...  but unlikely.

[markmg434]

The problem is he is trying to register this in NJ and it was purchase from NY. In NY you do not need a title for a boat manufactured in the 70's to get a registration. In NJ to apply for everything you need a photo of the HIN to submit it with the paperwork. How do you do that when it is covered with fiberglass from someones modification. I don't know if you can get the layer of fiberglass off to expose it.  If there is no plate, this will be a nightmare.

[mshugg]

You can mount a new plate and take a photo of that.  I have the plate from my 1979 CCP, but it is unreadable.  I purchased stamped SS replacement from national band and tag.

 It seems to me that your only option is to mount replacement tags and send in the photo.  77s didn’t have a tag, and most likely the transom tag was removed, not covered up.  NJ doesn’t even need to know that it’s a replacement.

[dirtwheelsfl]

Yup just put a new one on...

[markmg434]

Sounds like a plan. Seems to be many places online to order one. The question is if you are to mount it to the back transom that is fiberglass, what is the best way? Can't rivet it to fiberglass and regular screws not allowed. I am not sure there is even a piece of steel anywhere on the boat to rivet it to.

[dirtwheelsfl]

Tighten down with #2 phillips then run a drill bit in reverse to strip the head out

[markmg434]

Sounds like a good idea.