A “homemade vessel” refers to a vessel that was built from scratch by the owner (i.e., I am a carpenter and purchased wood to build my vessel). According to the U.S. Coast Guard, homebuilt vessels are constructed by individuals for their own use and not offered for sale. Because of this, these vessels may not always be built to recreational vessel safety requirements in 46 USC §43 and 33 CFR Subchapter S. The owner should apply for a state assigned HIN from the state issuing authority in the state in which the vessel will be principally operated.

Sale of Homebuilt Vessels. The intention of federal regulations to prohibit the sale of homebuilt recreational vessels that may not meet the safety standards is found within 46 U.S.C. §43 and 33 CFR Subchapter S. However, the Coast Guard recognizes that the sale of homebuilt recreational vessels may be appropriate in limited circumstances.

To allow for the sale of homebuilt recreational vessels, the Coast Guard has determined that the homebuilt recreational vessel must:

1. Meet the requirements set forth within 33 CFR Subchapter S;
2. Have been inspected via an independent marine surveyor with a nationally accredited certification such as National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) or Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS). A survey report shall be provided to the state upon sale of the vessel; and
3. Not be sold within 10 years of the issuance of the state assigned HIN. NOTE: Homebuilt vessels that are gifted at any time to another person are acceptable. Ref. (a) states that the sale of a vessel is the defining factor between a homebuilt vessel and a manufacturer-built vessel. The gifting of a homebuilt vessel does not hold the builder that is doing the gifting to the safety standards that a professional boat builder would need to uphold if they were selling for profit.