Pre-1972 Hull Identification Numbers

[michaelgon]

Hello Everybody! My name is Mike and I'm a new member to the site. I currently own a 1997 16' HOOG and am on the hunt to replace it with a Classic Sea Craft. I am currently looking at a boat that has been freshly restored. It is titled as a 1968 hull and has a closed transom. The owner states that the boat originally had an inboard/outboard making the closed transom original. Is this possible? Also, the title has a 6 digit Hull Identification Number on it...is this something that was issued by the state or is there some way to verify the originality of the HIN and the originality of the Hull. Any information would be great! I'm trying to become as educated as I can to avoid getting involved with a Pandora's box.

By the way, how does one add pictures to a posting? I'd like to post some photos of the boat.

Thanks!