Help with Theft investigation

[tttriton]

I am investigating a obvious HIN number tampering on a boat. The HIN number says that it is a Tahiti but common sense says that it is a Baja.. Also the faint outline of the original Baja sticker that can be found. Well I was wondering if Baja hides a HIN number in the hull some where?? Pics of the boat can be seen here..

www.terranova.net/~ttriton/theft/ (http://www.terranova.net/~ttriton/theft/)

Any info would be greatly appriciated..

Capt Lee
ttriton@terranova.net:biggrin

[toypuller]

You might try pulling the ser # of the motors or drives of the boat and contacting baja or murcruiser for some help with the numbers,i dont know how long they keep them around for build specs or for warranty.

[tttriton]

I was able to get the serial numbers off the outdrives but the serial numbers on the engines are unreadable. One appears to be scrached off the others are just so faint that they can't be read. But I will call Baja about the outdrive numbers. I have a call into a frined to get a search done on MercNet.

[missouri]

I don't about Fla. but in Missouri the state patrol knows where all the hidden #'s are, they have to inspect the repairs and receipts on parts if you apply for a new title for salvaged vehicles that were repaired.....

[TeamBajaMarine]

That certainly is a Baja, I am going to guess a 1987-1994 Force or 320. I will bet that there is a hidden hull ID number somewhere in the boat to identify it. This also brings up a point that the hull numbers are currently embedded in the trnasom of current boats, what about a simple grinder, re gelcoat and a new set of stamping numbers. Sounds too easy, so thats why I think there is something hidden, for this reason.

[Z ROCK]

Looks like a mid to late 80's Baja Sport.
I had original Baja graphics and a name on mine when it
was painted. You couldn't just peel them off and paint over them...they needed to be filled. The twin stripes
are Sport graphics as well. From the photos it looks as if only the first 2 letters were altered on the Hull plate. Try using only the numbers that aren't altered. Just a thought.

[toypuller]

Just an idea there maybe a number on the gas tank for id purposes,for the coast guard any thoughts ?

[tttriton]

I will dig around in the boat more and see what I can find.. But I am having to leave for a couple days with the wife and kids for spring break so I won't be replying again till Saturday

[ckmansell]

If it helps you any that is a 280. It is at least newer than 1987. This is the year they switched from a windshield with aluminum frame to the Plexiglas wind screen. I am going to guess that is an '89 or '90.

[tttriton]

Thanks to all the numbers have been found.. And all info has been given to the police.. So some one soon should be getting info that there boat was found.

And if there is any reason to contact me I'm leaving so I will be away from the computer.. But I can be called at 305-394-4573

[bottomless pit]

Nice work, Now we are looking for a 30 Outlaw.
PIT

[TeamBajaMarine]

Where were the numbers found?

[missouri]

Out of curiousity...were you the officer investigating the person, or how did this come about?

[tttriton]

I'm a towboat captain.. And we were hired to remove the boat from the Coast Guard station and store it because they couldn't prove that it was stolen they just had a suspision.. Well I was walking by the boat and the light hit it just right and I could see the original Baja sticker and that lit a fire under my ass to do some more research.. And as for the hidden VIN number.. Well I understand why it is hidden and I know I want the VIN number in my boat to stay hidden so if it gets stolen a thief can't find it and change it.. So I will just say that it is cover by a layer of resin.

[tttriton]

Also to mention I just got back from my short vacation.. And here is the update.. The registered owner says that he traded it in when he got a new boat.. So it is not stolen. So to speak. There is a scam down here going on amungst the smugglers that they tamper with the vins on several boats so that they can have one registration and many boats. Not 100% sure of the advantage to this stradigy besides the state not knowing that you have 20 boats..