Final answer:
The statement is true; the Hull Identification Number (HIN) must not be altered and aids in identifying and recovering a stolen boat due to its unique nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the Hull Identification Number (HIN) must not be altered, painted over, obscured, or destroyed and is helpful in locating your boat if stolen because it is unique to your boat is TRUE. The HIN serves a similar function to a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on a car and is required by law to be displayed on all boats. The HIN is a unique identifier which helps in various administrative tasks involving the vessel, such as registration, titling, and tracking the boat's history. Moreover, in the unfortunate event that the boat is stolen, the HIN allows law enforcement and other agencies to identify and recover the stolen property.
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique identifier that must not be altered, painted over, obscured, or destroyed on a boat. It is similar to a vehicle identification number (VIN) for cars, and it helps in locating a boat if it is stolen.
By keeping the HIN intact and unaltered, law enforcement agencies and boat registries can easily identify the owner of a stolen boat based on the HIN. It serves as an important tool in recovery efforts.