That is where it is located. It is moulded into hull just below the rubbing strake. It starts DE-BAV then model number and a date code.
All that information should be on the boat's documentation as that is what identifies the boat on the builder Certificate that goes from the factory to the first owner. not sure about a builders plate. My 2001 37 did not have one - only the HIN, neither does my new 33. Your boat is probably pre CE marking, as it came in that year so you might also have a CE "plate" - actually in those days a sticker, but this may have worn away.