I was told at one time that the alphanumeric code stamped on starboard transom indicates P16 manufacture date. Is that the case? Last 3 numbers of my code are 788. Does that indicate it was manufactured in July 1988? Thanks.
This will help, yes built in 88, but the letter before the 7 will tell you the month A=January..... L=December
Thanks. Did some digging and found that this is a hull identification number (HIN) similar to an auto VIN and required for all watercraft. First 3 letters are the manufacturer ID, next 5 are manufacturer-specified serial number, next 2 (as pointed out above) are month and year of certification and last 2 refer to the model year. Interestingly, when I ran the first 3 letters of the HIN for my P16 (STR) through the USCG database, it listed the manufacturer as Starcraft in New Paris, IN, in business since June 1973. Any thoughts on what this means?
My friend's 1984 P16 ends in 84B. I'm certain the last digits are year of manufacture.