HIN decoder
Enter a boat's 12-character hull number to decode the manufacturer, serial, and build year — every character explained, instantly and for free.
USCG vessel search
Look up a documented vessel by name, official number, HIN, or call sign — documentation status and particulars from public Coast Guard records.
OpenBoat registration by state
Registration steps, HIN rules, titling, fees, and renewals for all 50 states — plus how state registration differs from federal documentation.
OpenGuides
Cited, plain-English answers to the questions that trip up boat owners and buyers.
State Registration vs USCG Documentation — Which One Does Your Boat Need?
State registration vs USCG Coast Guard documentation explained: who must document (5+ net tons, coastwise/fishery), who may, who registers with the state, whether you need both, and HIN vs official number.
USCG Vessel Documentation Renewal — The $26 Fee and How to Avoid Overpaying
The official USCG (NVDC) Certificate of Documentation renewal fee is $26 per year. Learn how to renew directly, how to spot third-party lookalike sites charging far more, and how the Coast Guard actually contacts vessel owners.
How to Check a Boat Before Buying — A Due-Diligence Checklist
Before you buy a used boat: verify the HIN, check the title and liens, search USCG documentation, get a survey and sea trial, and handle the bill of sale and state transfer. A step-by-step due-diligence checklist.
Boat History Reports Compared — Boat-Alert vs Boat History Report vs BoatFax
An honest comparison of Boat-Alert, Boat History Report, and BoatFax: prices, what records each covers, and when a paid report is worth it — starting with the free USCG and HIN checks you should run first.
For boat buyers
Checking out a used boat? Do the free checks before you put money down.
Chartering your boat or taking paying passengers? Carrying passengers for hire requires a USCG captain's credential — usually an OUPV (six-pack) captain's license.
Independent reference tool — not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard or the National Maritime Center. Vessel data is derived from public USCG sources and may lag official records; always verify with the issuing authority.