 Boatfax
Technology: Joomla, Extensive PHP Scripting, Paypal Integration, ProtX Integration, XML Import, Custom User Management System, Custom Administration Tools.
Features: A massive project which pulls together an international database of boats, boat manufacturers, owners, and stolen vessels, as well as providing a forum for buying and selling used boats, with special dealer tools, newsletters, HIN validation, and more. The many features include free boat sales listings, used boat search, a proprietary 'SmartSearch' system for identifying stolen boats whose identification numbers may have been altered, a Hull ID Number validator, facilities for reporting a theft, 'Search Alert' when someone else checks up on your boat or equipment, and much more!
Initially based on similar principles to the hugely popular (in the US) carfax, boatfax is an international register of boats which is used by individual boat owners, insurance companies, government authorities, and coast guard/police forces to help crack down on boat theft, and help prevent the sale of stolen vessels. After a massive re-vamp in 2008, the site now also offers an extensive suite of tools for buying and selling new and used boats.
Users can register their boat or equipment free of charge, and can also report losses and thefts for free. Listing a boat for sale is also free, with paid options for extra features such as video uploads, extra images, featured listings, etc. A charge is made to perform a HIN check against the database when buying a new boat - to verify that it has not been reported stolen or scrapped. There is also a free HIN (Hull Identification Number) validator, which extracts information about the manufacturer and production year of a boat, and can help users to see whether their boat's ID number has been tampered with.
Boatfax is administered both via Joomla's own administration program, and by a proprietary system which allows a fine degree of control over users, boats, equipment, and manufacturers.
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