Watercraft History Report
Boat HIN Check

Watercraft History Reports Know the History Before You Buy.

Check a used boat or watercraft by HIN before you buy. Review available accident, title, ownership, theft, and other reported history to make a more informed buying decision.

Why Check a Boat's History?

A boat can look well maintained while its history may reveal damage, title issues, theft records, ownership changes, or other important events. Checking the available history before you buy can help you make a more informed decision.

Accident & Damage History

Review reported accidents, damage, or other reported events when available.

Title & Brand History

Review available title information and brands or status information when reported.

Ownership History

Review available ownership and registration-related history.

Theft & Recovery

Check available theft and recovery records.

HIN & Vessel Information

Use the HIN to help identify the watercraft and connect available historical records.

Other Reported Records

Review other available records that may provide useful history about the watercraft.

What Can a Watercraft History Report Tell You?

Available information depends on the watercraft, HIN, reporting source, and records available.

  • Vessel identification information
  • HIN-related information
  • Accident/damage records
  • Title information
  • Title brands/status where reported
  • Ownership/registration history where available
  • Theft/recovery records
  • Other reported historical events

Which Watercraft Can You Check?

The service can be useful for many types of used watercraft, depending on HIN and data availability. We provide available records for:

Boats

Boats

Fishing boats

Fishing boats

Center-console boats

Center-console boats

Cabin cruisers

Cabin cruisers

Runabouts

Runabouts

Pontoon boats

Pontoon boats

Personal watercraft

Personal watercraft

Recreational watercraft

Recreational watercraft

Other eligible vessels

Other eligible vessels

Report availability depends on the specific HIN and available records.

Buying a Used Boat? Check the History First.

History matters when buying a used watercraft:

  • Previous accidents or damage
  • Title brands/status
  • Possible theft/recovery history
  • Ownership history
  • Registration-related history
  • Previous use and condition context
  • Potential effect on value

What to Check Before Buying a Used Boat

  • Verify the HIN
  • Review the watercraft history
  • Check title information
  • Check accident/damage history
  • Check theft/recovery records
  • Review ownership/registration information where available
  • Inspect the hull
  • Check the engine and propulsion system
  • Inspect electrical systems
  • Check steering and controls
  • Inspect the interior and equipment
  • Test the boat where appropriate
  • Get a professional marine inspection

How It Works

1

Enter the HIN

Enter the watercraft's 12-character Hull Identification Number into the secure search form.

2

Choose Your Report

Select the available report option that fits your needs.

3

Get Your Report

Review the available watercraft history information and make a more informed buying decision.

1 Watercraft History Report

$99.99

One-time payment

  • 1 Watercraft History Report
  • Report access available while stored in our database
Get Started

Who Uses Watercraft History Reports?

Used boat buyers Recreational boat buyers Fishing boat buyers Watercraft owners Boat sellers Dealers Marine businesses Buyers comparing multiple used boats

A Watercraft History Report Is One Part of the Buying Process

A watercraft history report can provide useful historical information, but it does not replace a physical inspection or professional marine evaluation. Not every accident, repair, maintenance event, or other problem is necessarily reported.

Marine technician inspecting a watercraft

Watercraft History Report FAQs

It is a document that compiles available historical data, such as recorded titles, accidents, and ownership records, tied to a watercraft's unique Hull Identification Number (HIN).
A HIN stands for Hull Identification Number. It is a unique 12-character serial number used in the United States to identify boats and watercraft.
No. While they serve a similar purpose for identification, cars and trucks use a 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), whereas boats use a 12-character Hull Identification Number (HIN).
A standard U.S. boat HIN contains exactly 12 characters, distinguishing it from the 17 characters found in most road vehicles.
When available, a report can reveal reported accidents, title history, ownership records, and theft data.
Yes, if an accident or damage event was officially reported to participating data sources, it will generally be reflected in the report.
Yes, available reports will check for reported theft and recovery events tied to the specific HIN.
Absolutely. A history report does not replace a physical evaluation. Since not every issue is reported, a professional marine inspection is highly recommended.

Ready to Check Your Boat's History?

Enter the HIN and review available watercraft-history records before you buy.