Serial number tip - especially for new kayakers
Case Serial Number Lookup
Each kayak has a serial number which contains a lot of info about each particular boat. Origin, date, serial info, etc. It is very helpful if the authorities ever need to find your boat.
Don't just take a picture with your phone — it might blow away inside your kayak if you get separated (if you keep it in a hatch or drybag). Write it down and keep it somewhere safe at home, and also write it down onto something you'll always keep with you. Like in permanent marker inside a pocket of your pfd, etc, so if you have to call it in, you can give it to the authorities right away.
Newer boats have a rectangular, raised, ridge around the serial number to make it easier to find. You can rub a small amount of graphite or soil into the serial number engraving to make it easier to read. Serial numbers use the following format: (example CCMB2345H989). The last 2 digits is the model year of the Hobie kayak. HIN Search is a 'Universal' App which means if you purchase it, you can run it on all of your iOS devices, including iPads. Buy once, use forever. Please note that Hull Identification Numbers do NOT include encoding of model numbers, and that this app does NOT provide boat owner or registration data.
Old Town Kayak Serial Number Lookup
