It seems the HIN number on the previous owners USCG Documentation AYY013608773 Does not match the photo I submitted AYY01360877-381. (on transom and matching engine room plate) It appears someone at some point moved the 3 to the left of the dash to make it a 12 place HIN  (USCG requirement) so it would conform. This raised concerns with the re-documentation.

Now I have to wait for a USCG supplied Builders Certificate to state/confirm  how the correct, or what the number should be  then, remark the transom HIN  accordingly and show proof (photo)

After much research I find back in 1971/2 the USCG made a change (33CFR Subpart 181.21-181.35)  and contacted ALL boat manufacturers to change the HIN requirements to 12 digits as specified in their instructions. Apparently Downeast didn't get the memo or chose to ignore it? This must have affected other peoples vessels over the past 40 years.

What has me worried is if they accept the 12 place - AYY013608773 version this would make my boat a 1973 to their spec which would be totally incorrect. I'll go with that if it resolves the issue to get the paperwork finalized but not sure if it should be pursued further.

According to the USCG Spec: that HIN number should have been changed to AYY 01360 H7 78. (h=mth, 7=yr molded) then 78 if mold mfg was after july of that yr 77.

Has anyone else had this kind of issue when purchasing and documenting their vessels? My issue may not have been caught if all of the past owners paid cash and did not involve a financing institute. However; my insurance company pointed out that the HIN number was incorrect but was willing to let it slide due to age of boat.

Paper Moon, Hull136