My interpretation of the HIN would be:** JCM, Marshall Boat Company,* 34, hull size,* 212, sequence #* M, Model????* 83, year of mfg.* H, eighth letter= 8th month = August build.** I have seen a explanation of this written, but I can't seem to remember where.
I remember this because of an ongoing painfull experience.* My surveyor noted that the HIN number on my CG documentation papers was wrong when I bought the boat.* M82J at the end was recorded on the paperwork as M32J.* When you look at the HIN molded into the transom, it is easy to see how the error was made.* The 8 character was tipped to the side when the hull was molded, making the loops to the left of the character very shallow compared to the right side which are deeper.* I discussed this with my marine title guy.* We provided a copy of the survey, as well as a photo of the HIN.* From the photo, you could see that it should be 82 not 32 since a 3 occurs a few characters ot he left, and it has a squared top half as opposed to the rounded loops of the eight.* And, using common sense, it could not be possible that the number was M32J since the boat could not have been molded from fiberglass in 1932.* Should be an easy fix, right?* Wrong!* two and a half months after getting the application, the CG*decided they needed a*better photo and rubbing.* The boat was 500 miles from my home, so it took a month and a half before I could get there to satisfy this request.* Then 3 months later they decided they need a signed, notorized affidavit saying that I took the photographs.* It has been three months since they have recieved that and still no documention papers.* The PIA continues.
My electrical drawings do not show the Cat engine option.* All mine say Perkins just above the title block.* I doubt there is much if any difference though.*
My boat has 1 1/4 shafts with the twin 200 Perkins.* I wish they were bigger, as they represent the weak link in the drive line in my opinion.* My guess, it was a cost thing.* As the engine options go from small to larger, you can keep the drive train*the same by reducing the grear box reduction,* mine is 1.5:1.* That allows faster shaft speeds that reduces the need for heavier shafts as torque is reduced.* I wish I had 1 3/4" shafts or at least 1 1/2", and a 2:1 gear.* I suspect would*have*far less chance of bending them.* And the slower props would vibrate less. But it would be an expensive conversion*
