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Boat Manufacturer (MIC) Directory

Every boat built in the United States since 1972 carries a Hull Identification Number, and the first three characters are the Manufacturer Identifier Code (MIC) — assigned under 33 CFR Part 181 and recorded in a database of roughly 16,000 builders. Browse the directory by letter, or decode a full HIN to identify a specific boat’s maker and model year.

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What a MIC is

A Manufacturer Identifier Code is a unique three-character code the U.S. Coast Guard assigns to each boat builder. It is the leading segment of the 12-character HIN — for example, a HIN beginning BUJ identifies one specific manufacturer. Codes are retained even after a company goes out of business, which is why an older boat’s MIC can still be looked up here.

Browse by letter

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.

Decode any Hull Identification Number, free.

Enter a 12-character HIN to identify the builder, model year, and documented sister ships.

Boat Manufacturer (MIC) Directory — Look Up Any Hull Code · CaptainsGround