Should I get a Manufacturer's Identification Code?

[stepcut]

In Illinois, if I build a little 8' sailing dinghy -- I must register it and I can't do that until I get a state issued HIN, and I can't do that until I convince a Conservation Policy Officer to come out and inspect it and confirm that it is homebuilt I guess.

But.. they never respond to requests.

I've read that a Manufacturer's Identification Code from the USCG is free -- and then I could self-assign HIN. But.. I am not sure how much extra red tape that path involves. The first step is to email them. The request must indicate the manufacturer's name and U.S. address along with the general types and lengths of boats that will be manufactured. But.. I am not sure how many extra steps come after that.

I am currently building 3 small boats, and have plans to build quite a few more. Also, eventually I will need to sell off my old boats to make room for new boats.

I am getting into designing boats which can be cut via CNC, so I could see myself getting into selling kits at some point. As a kit seller, I think I would be required to issue HINs.

So.. the question is -- at what point is it easier to get an MIC instead of dealing with getting the state to come out for an inspection anytime I want to nail a few boards together and call it a boat?

Let's assume I will build more than 1 boat per year, and that I am willing to establish a legal business entity (which I may need to do for other reasons anyway).

[Breakaway]

If you register as a manufacturer, I would suggest speaking to a lawyer. Were anyone to get hurt using one of your boats you might find yourself liable.

Kevin

[jpatrick]

Are you sure that you have to register an 8' dinghy? Here in Washington the lower limit is 16'. I didn't bother to register my Somes Sound for several years because it's a few inches short of 16'. Then I decided to get it registered just in case it went adrift or was stolen. All it takes to do this is to show material receipts to the state licensing agency and fill out an application. They assign a HIN and tell one where to permanently mark the boat with it. There is no inspection required. The process is very easy but, perhaps, aided because our local contract office is staffed by a guy who is sympathetic to all manner of unusual requests.

Jeff

[Breakaway]

^ I don't know about Illinois or Washington, but in NY, if you put a motor on it, you have to register it, regardless of size.

Kevin

[stepcut]

Are you sure that you have to register an 8' dinghy? Here in Washington the lower limit is 16'.

I would love to be wrong, but this is what the Illinois FAQ says,

Do I have to title my boat?

Titling is optional for watercraft under 22 feet in length. Registration requirements have not changed. All watercraft powered by machinery (this includes trolling motors) or sail are required to be registered in Illinois.

What class is my boat?

• Class 1- All powered watercraft less than 16 ft. and all motorized canoes, kayaks and paddleboats regardless of length.
• Class 2 – 16 ft. to less than 26 ft.
• Class 3 – 26 ft. to less than 40 ft.
• Class 4 – 40 ft. and over

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/boatin...tions.aspx#h29

As noted in the first section 'All watercraft powered by machinery or sail are required to be registered'. And Class 1 includes all boats under 16ft that are not 100% human powered. Until recently human powered boats need a water usage sticker -- but they finally did away with it.

I am hoping if I email enough conservation officers I'll eventually find one that is actually excited about inspecting small, homemade boats.

[Todd Bradshaw]

Boating and trailering became so much better and less buried in stupid red tape when I moved out of Illinois.

[Woxbox]

As I understand it, if you manufacture kits, you can issue HINs with the kits to customers. You become a boat builder, even if you don't put the pieces together.

In Pennsylvania, the distinction is important because there's now a law that says you can't sell a homemade boat in the state. But if you build one from a kit purchased from a boat manufacturer, you'll have an HIN and can sell that boat, even if you did assemble it in your garage.

Insane, but that's where it is in this state now.

[MushCreek]

All watercraft powered by sail are required to be registered? Even a windsurfer?

[Bruce Brown]

In Maine I was recently able to obtain a MIC for a home-built boat through electronic communication supplemented by photos. It took about a month.

[sp_clark]

Boating and trailering became so much better and less buried in stupid red tape when I moved out of Illinois.

Funny but I've found that to be true Todd, and not for just boats & trailers. You beat me out by several years too....

CLC issued an HIN for the Waterlust kit I bought back late in 2016. As I'd intended to use the sails it can mount I got it registered in WI with no problem.

[stromborg]

Boating and trailering became so much better and less buried in stupid red tape when I moved out of Illinois.

When I left Chicago to come out west in the late 1990's Illinois was still trying to wrap it's head around the idea that a pickup truck could be a personal vehicle as opposed to a commercial one.