NASBLA Public Library

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Kit Boat vs Homemade Boat

Do you have a question about how to process certain types of applications? State assigned HIN’s? How to handle commercial boats? Paddlecraft? Send them to Rick Barrera. A member of the VIRT Committee will respond to you directly, and will share the question anonymously here so that other states can benefit as well!

The following questions relate to kit boats in comparison to homemade boats:

What is a Kit Boat?

A Kit Boat is a boat in which the buyer purchases plans to build a boat and the materials to complete the boat are supplied by the manufacturer. This means every single component, building material, and step-by-step instructions are provided in full to the consumer. The boats are required to meet all safety standards, including capacity plates, if the completed boat is a monohull boat less than 20 feet in length, that is not a sailboat, canoe, kayak, or inflatable. They are also required to have a primary Hull Identification Number (HIN) issued by the manufacturer, and a duplicate HIN to be affixed in an unexposed location. For additional information on Kit Boats, please see the Boating Safety Circular Issue 85 and Issue 87. 

What is a Homemade Boat?

A Homemade Boat or backyard built vessel is a single vessel built with raw materials by a person or persons for personal use only, and cannot be sold or used for commercial purposes. As soon as someone builds a homemade boat and sells it, they become a manufacturer and would be required to apply for an MIC through the U.S. Coast Guard. A homebuilt boat also includes those custom built boats that are pieced together using individually purchased manufactured parts. Each state's requirements for registering homemade boats vary, but in general, a state may require a list of raw materials and receipts for purchased items, as well as some sort of builder's affidavit or even inspection. Upon verification that the vessel is in fact a homemade boat, the state would issue a state assigned HIN.