Hull serial number (HIN) location
Your HIN is etched into the stern starboard side of the hull — the back right corner when you're seated in the kayak.
HIN numbers are etched into the stern starboard side of the hull — the back right corner when you're seated in the kayak.
What the HIN looks like
A HIN (Hull Identification Number) is a 12-character code etched directly into the HDPE near the stern. It's not a sticker — stickers fall off. The HIN is permanently pressed or laser-etched into the plastic so it survives a decade of saltwater and sun.
Look at the back right corner of the hull, just above the gunwale near the rear handle. You may need to wipe off some grit or angle the boat to catch the etching in the light. Once you find it, it's hard to miss.
Why we ask for it
When you submit a claim at caminojourney.com/pages/claims-form, the HIN tells us:
- Which production run your boat came from — useful for diagnosing known-issue patterns
- The exact model and year — so we ship the right replacement part
- Whether the boat is in active warranty coverage — based on first-sale date
Without the HIN we can still help, but everything moves faster with it.
What if you can't find or read the HIN
A few common reasons it's hard to spot:
- Boat is in storage — the etching can be obscured by accumulated dust or grime. A quick rinse usually reveals it.
- Sun-faded HDPE — older boats can have the etching weather slightly, but you'll still see it under a flashlight at an angle.
- First-run batch — a small number of early Terra and Outpost kits had inconsistent etching depth. If you genuinely can't read yours, submit the claims form anyway and include a photo of the stern corner. Our team can match the boat from purchase records.
Where it isn't
The HIN is not on the seat, the rudder, the pedal drive, or any sticker on the hull. Those are separate parts with separate serials (or no serials at all). The HIN belongs to the hull only.
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