Nor-West Freighter Hull number question.

[Tippecanoe2]

I recently purchased a used Nor-West freighter.
I'm trying to register it in Indiana.
The State of Indiana requires a HULL NUMBER.
I've been unable to find one anywhere on the boat.
With the company closed since the fire I've been unable to find anyone to ask where it is or if it exists,
Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance

 

[Benson Gray]

These numbers are commonly on the starboard stern and usually on the transom or just under the gunwale. You may need to register it as a 'home made' boat. The state will then issue you a hull identification number (HIN). The Nor-West freighter shown at https://www.woodencanoe.org/classifieds/24'-canots--nor-west--freighter-canoe doesn't appear to have a HIN either if that is any consolation. Good luck,

Benson

 

[Tippecanoe2]

I found the hull number stamped in the wood stem inside under the bow.
facing up it was covered in the normal dust and mud.
I never would have thought of looking there.

Thanks

 

[Benson Gray]

I found the hull number stamped in the wood stem inside under the bow

Good find, many canoes and other small boats are numbered there. The link below has more details.

Benson

Thread 'How do I find a serial number on an old wooden canoe or boat?'

Oct 2, 2005

Many old wooden canoes and boats have a serial number on both inside stems and a decal or tag with the manufacturer's logo on the bow deck. The number is usually stamped on the top of the lower part of the stems. The inside stems are the long curved pieces of wood that form the ends of the canoe. You want to look on the part that extends out from under the decks on the bottom of the floor inside the hull. The serial numbers are stamped in each end of the canoe so check both if a single digit is not clear. These numbers in the stern of boats are occasionally on the edge of the center...

• Benson Gray
• Replies: 2
• Forum: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• 

 

[Dan Lindberg]

Many of the later canoes Joe Seliga made/sold came with his instruction to register it as "homebuilt".
This because Joe refused to comply with the CG reg's re HIN's, and the CG several times came to his house and
gave him a hard time about his not complying,
to the last canoe he put on his usual S/N.

Dan
ps - at least up until a few years ago, in MN you could register a canoe with any S/N - they didn't worry about the CG HIN.

You may need to register it as a 'home made' boat. The state will then issue you a hull identification number (HIN).