I think some jurisdictions required boats to be registered if 10hp and above so it could be for a couple of reasons.Tangent - What date in the USA did the 9.9HP designation become important (because many lakes started banning motors 10+HP)?
We looked at it today and took down the numbers and will check to see what it is. Because it is a serial number.On the front of the block/crankcase approximately behind the oil light the model number or serial number should be stamped there.