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1971 Ventura HIN help
Posted: Apr 12, 2013 8:15 pm
by cmk23
A buddy just picked up a Ventura, it came from Alabama and does not have a title. The Alabama registration says it's a 1971 Hydrostream and that's it. I know Pipkorn started building Hydrostreams in 1968 and the Ventura was one of the first models. The problem is there is no HIN stamped into the transom. I know it was made prior to the standard HIN we have now. Anyway all it has on the upper right hand side of the transom is a sticker that says "Mississippi DNR (or whatever) the HIN of this vessel is MIZ215023F10X". Can someone help me decode this one. I'd like to know if it is indeed a true 1971 HydroStream Ventura or if it is a copy made by some other company.
Thanks in advance for any help
Re: 1971 Ventura HIN help
Posted: Apr 12, 2013 9:33 pm
by Hippie459MN
According to the USCG web site, MIZ is MISSISSIPPI HOMEMADE BOATS
http://www.uscgboating.org/recalls/mic1.aspx?mic=miz&sort=mic
Looks like you have a splash on your hands and is not a real Hydrostream. All hydrostream HINs start with HSP, not MIZ.
Here is Hydostream (HSP) -
http://www.uscgboating.org/recalls/mic1.aspx?mic=HSP&sort=mic
Hope that helps.

Re: 1971 Ventura HIN help
Posted: Apr 12, 2013 10:05 pm
by cmk23
That helps a lot! For some reason I can't get the uscg links to open on my phone. Have HydroStreams started with HSP since 68? And if it truly is a splash made in MS, is there anyway to tell when it was made?
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Re: 1971 Ventura HIN help
Posted: Apr 12, 2013 10:15 pm
by Hippie459MN
Yes, Hydrostream has always started with HSP. When you reg wit the USCG you get assigned your MIC (Manufacturer Identification Code) and it never changes. Even long after your out of business. In order for it to change, they would have to build under a whole different name and they never ever did that.
As for the year, Its had to say as every manufacturer did their HINs a little differently. If it was a splash (Copy) and only 1 (or a few) was made and it was registered with the MS DNR, You could ask them if they are the ones that issued the HIN on it and how you would get the mfg year from the HIN.
But my that HIN, its not a real hydrostream but in fact a copy. Have any pictures of it?
Re: 1971 Ventura HIN help
Posted: Apr 13, 2013 8:06 am
by cmk23
Yes I do have 1 picture and going to take some more today, but it wont let me post me here. Says I haven't posted enough for that.
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Re: 1971 Ventura HIN help
Posted: Apr 13, 2013 8:16 am
by Hippie459MN
Weird. Should be able to now. I think the limit is set to either needing 3 or 5 posts before you can post links (can sometimes include images that use 3rd party services like photobucket) Its to help keep the spam down and so far its doing an amazing job of it.

Re: 1971 Ventura HIN help
Posted: Apr 13, 2013 8:25 am
by cmk23
Yeah that's how I was trying to post the pic, through photobucket. I'll try again. I didn't know what the magic post number was. The boat came off the trailer on the previous owner and is wrecked, so I only have a pic of the bad side. I'll get more today though. Give me a min and I'll post the one I have.....or try! Lol
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Re: 1971 Ventura HIN help
Posted: Apr 13, 2013 8:26 am
by cmk23
[ Post made via Android ] 
Re: 1971 Ventura HIN help
Posted: Apr 13, 2013 8:28 am
by cmk23
Hey it worked! Thanks for the help!
Is it possible that it is a Hydro but a prev owner didn't have the HIN and just registered it as a homemade? Maybe the transom had been replaced and the original HIN was lost...
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Re: 1971 Ventura HIN help
Posted: Apr 13, 2013 8:42 am
by Hippie459MN
What is on the title? Do they match?
Dont know if you seen this or not -
http://www.hydrostreamforums.com/decodehin