NC boat registration (question for Graham or Carla?)

[Ken_Potts]

Hi Folks,

I'm getting ready to send off the paperwork to get my CS17 (#121) registered for the first time. The form asks for the manufacturer's hull ID number. I know I can leave this blank but it seems like I remember reading somewhere that the designer might have a numbering scheme...

I think I saw something about this in the plans (the 8-1/2 x 11 sheets) but I might just be making it up.

I'm at work right now so I can't check the plans...

Do any of you North Carolina builders (or other people) have any idea?

Thanks

Sorry I haven't posted pictures in a long time - I'll definitely post some of launch day (in a month?) if not before.

[Designer]

Ken, you can go on line to NC wildlife and register the boat on line. They will issue you with a hull identification number. The HIN will start off NCZ which indicates a homebuilt. You cannot use our prefix because we did not build it. You will get the registration sticker and will have to buy the state numbers. You will also have to scratch in the HIN on the starboard upper side of the transom.

Wizard told me that the Florida wildlife police cited him once for not scratching in the HIN.

[Dale Niemann]

I am in Florida. I had to have an officer physically come to my house and inspect the boat when I applied for the license for a homebuilt boat. I don't believe he said anything about scratching in the number and I have not done that yet but I guess I better check into it further.

Maybe Matt can provide additional input if he is back from Cedar Key.

[Ken_Potts]

Thanks Graham.

I figured I would end up just not filling in the "manufacturer's hull ID" on the form but I thought I'd check.

Dale - The ID number being engraved in the transom is a North Carolina thing. Florida might well be different (but I guess it is worth checking).

[Ken_Potts]

Oh that's right - Congratulations on the launch Dale! I forgot you were going to launch at Cedar Key.

[Dale Niemann]

Thanks Ken.

It was a great day for launching and Graham took the helm on the first sail. It was great.

Dale

[Gordy Hill]

Hey!

Pictures Dale! Pictures!

[Charlie Jones]

Ken- Texas also requires the HIN be put into the transom ( or starboard rear on a canoe) if the state issues an HIN for a homebuilt boat. They usually require a wild life officer to come inspect it also.

As a licensed builder, I issue the HIN's on the ones I build, just as Graham does.

[Ken_Potts]

Thanks for the info Charlie.

Dale, it looks like this hull number thing might be common so you probably should check into it - Right after you post those launch pictures

My boat is officially registered. Now I've just got to work up the motivation to carve up my transom and re-paint it. I think I'll wait until the boat is off the porch so I can reach it easier. Maybe I'll do some more much-needed fairing on the transom tape joints too. Then again maybe I'll just add the number and go sailing...

[Charlie Jones]

Ken- the way we do it is to write the numbers out on a piece of masking tape, as neatly as possible ( I usually have Laura do it )

Then I use a dremel tool with an engraving bit to follow the lines, cutting the numbers into the surface. Then while the tape is still in place, I put some unthickened epoxy in the numbers to seal the wood.. Then I pull the tape.

[Ken_Potts]

I likfe that idea. Thanks!

[Dale Niemann]

Charlie,

What size are your numbers?

Thanks,

dale

[Charlie Jones]

1/2 to 5/8 inch tall

[Andy B]

Raising up this old topic to ask a question--do all of you put a Hull Identification Number on your boats?

 

I bought a used boat, from Colorado, it did not have a HIN.  I was able to easily register and title it yesterday  here in MI, and they issued me a HIN from Michigan.  I see that I can buy a metal stamp online, but frankly, with the list of projects I have already this really seems like busy work.  I will of course have my sticker and registration numbers up front.

[Hirilonde]

@Andy B You can route the number into a piece of wood and epoxy it into the boat in some out of the way place where it can still be viewed, like in a locker.

[Chick Ludwig]

Here is the form to use to register your boat in North Carolina. You will fill out section 3 and have your signature notarized. The state will assign your hull number (HIN number). I've mailed several of these in over the years and never had a problem. The boat will not be inspected.

[Chick Ludwig]

Qops, I forgot to give you the site for the form.

https://www.ncwildlife.org/vl-1-formpdf/open

[Paul356]

I put the HIN on my boat, drilling little holes toake the letter and number shapes in the transom rib. Didn't look all that great, actually. My daughter said, "What's that thing supposed to be?". Oh, well, I can always i.d. the boat if I have to, cuz it ain't coming out.

[Oyster]

So far the state of N.C. has been one of the only states with some common sense as it relates to registering home built boats.  But I have been holding my breath and waiting until some import decides to bring their complicated and multiple steps to the state to register these types of one off boats.  Reading the horrors of getting a one off home built boat registered in a ton of other states is enough to make someone not build one if they research this ahead of time. 

 

We all take a long period of time to complete these projects. And we don't always keep receipts as good as we should of the many pieces that goes into building one over time.  I had rather not know or mess with what it costs to get one in the water for my on personal use.  It makes the experience better and more enjoyable. Where else do you find something that you can take five minutes to fill out a simple check the box two page form and sign it and mail it in and in two to three weeks you are in business to add your numbers and stickers to the boat without and hassle without any further ado. 

 

I will add that you can go to most trophy outfits and get them to do an engraved contrast color plastic sticker with your hull number and place it on your transom,  many with small screws at each end if you ask and one inside under your gunnels, or in a locker somewhere to further generate a nice touch and legal process.

[Andy B]

Thanks, Oyster.  Michigan, my home state (I probably am not clear about that in using this old post) was very easy to get a title and registration.  It appears CO didn't require a title and HIN, or the builder didn't get one, but it was not issue for me.  She just checked "home built" on her program and that was that.  It probably helped that it is a sailboat without a motor (a distinction in Michigan) and barely long enough to qualify for a title.

 

I will say I always come in to the Secretary of State with a printout of all relevant information.  I do it so I don't screw something up, but I also suspect it makes me look a bit more organized or professional.  It can't hurt.