323 CMR 2.03
Vessel Identification
(1) Number. The first part of the number shall be an abbreviation in capital letters of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts "MS". The remainder of the boat number shallconsist ofnot more
than four arabic numerals and not more than two capital letters, in sequence, separated by a hyphen
or equivalent. Since the letters "I", "O" and "Q" may be mistaken for arabic numerals, all letter
sequences using "I", "O" and "Q" shall be omitted. The bow number shall be spaced: MS 9999 ZZ.
Objectionable words formed by the use of two or three letters may not be used.
(2) Limit. There is no limit to the number of boats which may be demonstrated with each
demonstration or testing number, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 90B, § 3(b) provided a particular number is
displayed on only one vessel at a time. If two or more dealers' or manufacturers' boats are to be
demonstrated or tested at the same time, two or more individual dealers' or manufacturers' numbers
are required.
(3) Dealers. M.G.L. c. 90B, § 3(b) shall not apply to motorboats owned by a dealer or manufacturer
and which are being used for purposes other than testing or demonstrating. Said motorboats shall have
permanent numbers.
(4) Decal. In addition to displaying the identification number of a vessel as required by M.G.L.
c. 90B, § 3, the owner of a vessel shall display at the end of suchnumber the thencurrent registration
decal of the Division of Law Enforcement on port (left) of the vessel within six inches of the final
identification number or letter, as the case may be.
For example MS 9999 ZZ [ ], with the [ ] being the decal.