: I will report back if I return form the other side.

Over the past year or so, I've contacted the Coast Guard several times to ask about HIN, and never had the same answer twice. So I've concluded that they don't know any more than we do. One guy insisted that they only issue HINs for motorized vessels. Another guy referred me to an application form on their website that seemed more like it was for a "Capacity Plate" . You know the one - it must be visible from the helm, and clearly states the maximum number of passengers that can safely be transported. I set the form aside, and now can't find either it or the link.

Absolute lunacy. Good luck with the dark side.

Ken