Decoding VIN

[Bjjams]

I'm wondering if anyone out there can tell me how to get the year of my outboard from my VIN number? It is a 15 horse Merc. When I bought my boat I was told the boat and motor were both 94's but nowhere in the VIN does it give the actual numbers 94 in it. I've tried doing a search for a HSOforum that could decode my VIN with no avail. The one dealer I called said he couldn't (or wouldn't) be able to decode it. Any input would be appreciated.

[Black_Bay]

Check here http://www.maxrules.com/Merc_model_files/15-20.html

[Valv]

Follow the link for motor serial number and year, but ALL boats from mid '70s have the HIN (Hull Identification Number) not VIN on rear, usually a tag attached on transom.

The last 2 digits it's always the year of manufacturing, if there's a letter at the end just read the 2 digits before it.

so a LUN12345AB6789C92 is a 1992 boat, a LUN12345AB6789C99D is a 1999

The problem will arise in 2070 and up, but I think we won't be around to worry about it....

Beware some dealers try to sell a "newer" boat as the year after because of titling date, you can check the HIN to be certain.