Is sticker paper HIN legit?

frankELF

New Member
I'm looking seriously to buy a Capri 14.2 that has a paper sticker on the transon for the hull identification number. Also, the owner has no title. He says the previous owner has no title. In my state, it looks like I need a title to register the boat.

Are these things normal, and what should I do? Any help is appreciated.
 
I don't think that would suffice as a HIN. If someone ground off the HIN thats stamped in the fiberglass, it seems to me you would just register it as a "homemade" boat. Depending on your state they may require you to etch some sort of number, but "homemade" boats don't have any kind of HIN. Or you could stamp one into an aluminum plate, and fasten it in the stern somewhere. I think as long as it's not able to be removed it will work also. Hope this helps.
 
What does Catalina do when they make them?

o2bsailin said:
I don't think that would suffice as a HIN. If someone ground off the HIN thats stamped in the fiberglass, it seems to me you would just register it as a "homemade" boat. Depending on your state they may require you to etch some sort of number, but "homemade" boats don't have any kind of HIN. Or you could stamp one into an aluminum plate, and fasten it in the stern somewhere. I think as long as it's not able to be removed it will work also. Hope this helps.

Thanks, It helps some. My question now is whether when Catalina makes the Capri 14.2, do they stamp the HIN into the fiberglass on the transom or do they use a plate?

And would someone grind out the stamped number when repair is done or would it be for hiding a boat theft!
 
It could have been done for both reasons. I know my capri which is a 1992 has it stamped in the back. I would tend to say they've been using that method for a while.
 
my 2000 capri has a second HIN fiberglassed in. It is in the cuddy directly under the mast step. looks to be a simple piece of paper (or the sticker you have) just glassed in. hard to read but effective. There would be no way to grind that out.

kk.
 
My 1987 has a metal plate on the inside of the transom and the HIN is also etched into the glass on the starboard side of the transom on the exterior.
Something is fishy...in NJ you need a title to register a boat. At least I did this year.
 
Fishy, indeed, I saw today

Thank you for your kind replies.

Today there was a change. The H.I.N. is NOW etched into the fiberglass of the transom on the right hand side . . . but it is obviously scratched in by hand!
Secondly, there is a model and allegedly a serial number on a silver-colored plate on the inside of the boat at the stern. This, however is impossible to get any numbers from.

It is not by caprice that I shall not buy this Capris.
;)
 
My HIN is etched into the transom by hand. I wonder if you can take the number to DMVand see if it is stolen?? Is e price right or is it high/low??
 
Take the boat to the agency in your state the registers boats with the person selling it(current owner?). If it can be titled in your name legally, then do the deal right there. If not, "See Ya!"
 
Price for old Capris? Cold price for hot Cap?

cmnative said:
My HIN is etched into the transom by hand. I wonder if you can take the number to DMVand see if it is stolen?? Is e price right or is it high/low??

I thought the price was kind of high, but probably not by many standards.

What does a 14.2 Capris of 20 years of age sell for, with old trailer?
:p
 
Mine is an 87 in great condition. Trailer was perfect, except lights did not work. Sails good, missing tiller and rudder. ($370 from catalina, if I remember correctly) 1987 Johnson Outboard motor that started on third pull. $700. I have seen them go as high as $2000(check ebay) and as low as $1000.
 
cmnative said:
Mine is an 87 in great condition. Trailer was perfect, except lights did not work. Sails good, missing tiller and rudder. ($370 from catalina, if I remember correctly) 1987 Johnson Outboard motor that started on third pull. $700. I have seen them go as high as $2000(check ebay) and as low as $1000.

I definitely will look at ebay. The price I was asked for was high. A deal like you got sounds terrific.

Thanks!
 
Check out this link. This is a bunch of ads that at one time were for sale on sailingtexas.com. The creator of this webpage, keeps any ad that was posted, and allows you to view the photos, information, and asking/selling price. This can allow you to see what seems to be a "fair" price for the condition. Also check under the "for sale" link at the top, because there may be a 14.2 (or any other boat for that fact) currently up for sale.

http://www.sailingtexas.com/cboats99capri142.html

Enjoy!
 
o2bsailin said:
Check out this link. This is a bunch of ads that at one time were for sale on sailingtexas.com. The creator of this webpage, keeps any ad that was posted, and allows you to view the photos, information, and asking/selling price. This can allow you to see what seems to be a "fair" price for the condition. Also check under the "for sale" link at the top, because there may be a 14.2 (or any other boat for that fact) currently up for sale.

http://www.sailingtexas.com/cboats99capri142.html

Enjoy!

Thanks from me, too!
 
Hin

:confused:

I'm trying to insure my boat and they need a serial number. There is a metal hull number on the transom - should that be enough?
 
serial number

While refinishing the gelcoat on my 87, I removed the mfg. plate from the transom. I couldn't read anything on it but underneath, etched into the transom was the serial number. It is easier to find under the rub rail on the outside of the transom but it is good that it is in more than one place.
 
Don't write it off as a bad deal just yet!

There are a couple of issues here that you are bundling together. I am not a lawyer, but I have purchased several boats, kayaks, campers, and trailers from states which do not provide titles. I live in Illinois, which does title.

First, always check with the laws of your state and know what you will need to comply with the laws of your state.

My dearly departed 92 Capri had the FIN number etched on the back of the boat. It looked like it was done by hand. Is it possible the boat you want to purchase had the numbers etched there all along and you just overlooked them?

You do not need the title to buy the boat. All you need to transfer ownership is a Bill of Sale. You can get a free template for a BOS off the internet. Keep in mind that in some instances, it may be financially advantageous NOT to title a purchase if you will have to pay sales tax. This can be especially true if you don't need any type of registration sticker or will not be re-selling the purchase.

If you want a quick and easy way to check the FIN number, ask the seller if the boat is currently insured. If so, ask to see a copy of the insurance policy. The FIN number should be on the declaration page of the policy.

The next question is do you really need to insure a 20 year old boat? After my 1992 Capri was totalled in an accident (it was insured) I bought an 88 Capri for $1100. It would have cost over a $100 a year to insure it. Considering what I paid for it, I didn't feel it was worth it to insure it. Whatever you decide, keep in mind you don't need a title to insure a purchase.

As I said, I paid $1100 for an 88 Capri, which included a crappy trailer. I put the 88 on my Karavan trailer and turned around and sold the crappy trailer for $200. The boat is in excellent condition. It did not include a motor.

Can you use the lack of title to your advantage in negotiating a good price? People are always willing to negotiate if you bring up potential problems all the while standing in front of them with cash in hand.

The bottom line is, know the rules of your state, don't be afraid to negotiate, but if your gut is telling you to walk away, then walk away! There are always good used boats for sale. Check Craigslist, E-Bay, and your local paper. Keep your eye out for a good boat at the right price and you'll find one!
 
Just a footnote to my last post:

From personal experience, I have submitted the bill of sale for a purchase to the appropriate Illinois state agency and have received a Illinois title along with the proper documentation/registration sticker after filling out the required paperwork and paying any necessary fees and taxes.
Once I had trouble getting an Illinois title and registering a pop up camper I bought from a couple in Wisconsin. Wisconsin does not title campers. I got a form letter requesting the title. I had to write a letter explaining the Bill of Sale was all I had, but I did get the problem straightened out. It can be annoying dealing with lack of titles, but it is not a deal breaker.
 

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