Deciphering the HIN

[Robb Watson]

Is there anyone who can give an explanation of what the Hull Identification Number means? I was given to understand that the last two numbers were the year of the boat. However, mine is "80" but on the SeaRay site, there is no 1980 360 Express Cruiser. There is, however, a 1979 Express Cruiser listed. I've downloaded the Owners Manual and it looks like my boat. I'd just be interested in deciphering the code. Might give me an idea of where and what to search for in my journey to bring this lovely lady back to life!

 

[fwebster]

For a 1979 up to 8/1/84 model boat, the HIN # has 12 digits. The last 4 digits are the certification date for the boat, not the date of manufacture.

The middle 4 digits are the mfg.'s hull serial number.

The first 4 digits are the Manufacturer's ID code. IN your case, SER means it is a Sea Ray boat and the F indicates that the boat was built in the (now closed) Merritt Island Florida plant.

Merritt Island was a sport yacht/yacht factory so your boat is going to be extremely well made and built to larger boat standards using the same production methods as the yacht class boats they were building at the time.

 

[Robb Watson]

Thank you so much I greatly appreciate the information! I should add the it sure seems to me that the boat was built very well! Considering that she's almost 40 years old, there's not a lot wrong with her. Getting a new starter for the port engine and new canvass for the spring launch. I plan on painting on the original striping (not sure how or why it was removed). Unfortunately, since we bought it at the end of last season, we've only had one run with it but enjoy it we did!! Can't wait for spring!

 

[MonacoMike]

Welcome aboard.

MM

 

[WV 320 Dancer]

Beautiful Boat! I love the lines of the older Sea Rays. Can’t wait to see more pictures...

 

[Robb Watson]

Thanks! She is nice. Just needs some TLC. Runs well but the cosmetics and wiring leave much to be desired! The wiring will be the biggest challenge. I have diagrams but I'm no electrician

 

[Leshell]

Is there anyone who can give an explanation of what the Hull Identification Number means? I was given to understand that the last two numbers were the year of the boat. However, mine is "80" but on the SeaRay site, there is no 1980 360 Express Cruiser. There is, however, a 1979 Express Cruiser listed. I've downloaded the Owners Manual and it looks like my boat. I'd just be interested in deciphering the code. Might give me an idea of where and what to search for in my journey to bring this lovely lady back to life!View attachment 63217

Your HULL ID is the first 12 characters of this entire string. It begins with SER and ends with 79.

SER = manufacturer's code
F2659 = serial number
I2 = date of certification, which in your case is September 2 (see code chart below)
79 = model year

JAN A
FEB B
MAR C
APR D
MAY E
JUN F
JUL G
AUG H
SEP I
OCT J
NOV K
DEC L

I hope this helps!

 

[440 Jim]

Nice Classic Robb!

Mine was built there, I grew up down the road from the factory.

Congrats, mine's 33yrs old, love them well taken care of classics.

 

[techmitch]

Your HULL ID is the first 12 characters of this entire string. It begins with SER and ends with 79.

SER = manufacturer's code
F2659 = serial number
I2 = date of certification, which in your case is September 2 (see code chart below)
79 = model year

JAN A
FEB B
MAR C
APR D
MAY E
JUN F
JUL G
AUG H
SEP I
OCT J
NOV K
DEC L

I hope this helps!

Welcome aboard CSR, great first post.