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[rocky]

i was wondering about buying a boat down south and if it is a simple process or are there complications bringing one back. if anyone has done this i would appreciate some feedback, on both pros and cons. thks.

[oscar]

I brought a 2000 Customweld Storm back from Oregon in 2010.

The biggest issue is the money changing hands.As far as bringing it back, the process was smooth.

- make sure you have a copy of the add when heading south across the border.(they'll want to see it)
- make sure you get the title for the boat and the trailer
- have the seller make out seperate bills of sale for the boat, trailer, kicker, and any other items in the deal
- technically need a permit from DMV for every state travelled through, or a Binder policy available through BCAA. I talked the guy I bought it from into leaving his plate on til I got home, then mailed it to him.(lucky)
- Shouldn't have to pay duty on a US made boat
- Expect to pay HST
- Contrary to popular belief, there is no waite at the border.... pay the tax and go.You will have to have the trailer registered (RIV) , along with a BS inspection at Canadian Tire.They never even looked at the boat at the border.

The process is actually quite streamline these days, with much more info on the net.Just brought a Harley back a few months ago too, with min. headaches.

Hope this helps....

[Dr. Backlash]

I bought a used G3 boat and trailer from just north of Seattle this past May.  It was pretty easy to do.  Money changing hands was the easiest part of my experience in buying the boat and trailer - I paid cash.  The seller even had the trailer still insured for a couple more months so I did not have to buy a permit with DMV.  I did buy binder insurance as well (like $30 or something) before I went south of the border to buy the boat.  Make sure to get the VIN # of the trailer you're planning to buy ahead of time and call that number into RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) and they will double check if you're allowed to import that trailer.  Make sure you get a Bill of Sale and a Title for the boat and the trailer to show Canada Customs.  If you can get separate titles for the boat and the trailer that would be ideal because that would make the canadian border guards much happier.  I only had 1 title for both the boat and the trailer, and the border guards gave me a real hard time and kept asking why I didn't have 2 separate titles for the boat and trailer, and it took me a while to explain to them that the original owner bought the boat and trailer brand new as a packing from the dealer, and therefore only had 1 title.  Unlike the previous poster I definitely did have a serious wait at the border and I did have to pay some taxes.  After some haggling and about an hour wait, i made it through.  It might be easier if you were buying a brand new boat/trailer from the dealer (instead of used boat/trailer like i did), the dealer might even be able to help facilitate the process.  Anyway, I think there's been decent more in depth threads on this topic so you might want to search Rodney's website.  Good luck!

[oscar]

What I meant by "no waite at the border" was that you don't have to wait the 72hrs for the boat to clear...

Cheers....

[RainbowMan]

It might be easier if you were buying a brand new boat/trailer from the dealer (instead of used boat/trailer like i did), the dealer might even be able to help facilitate the process.  

Would it be cheaper to buy a new boat from a dealer in the States than a local dealer in BC and is the warranty/service honored here in Canada for a US-purchased boat?

[canso]

 I only had 1 title for both the boat and the trailer, and the border guards gave me a real hard time and kept asking why I didn't have 2 separate titles for the boat and trailer, and it took me a while to explain to them that the original owner bought the boat and trailer brand new as a packing from the dealer, and therefore only had 1 title.  

Even a package deal will have separate titles, that is where you went wrong, and the reason for your wait.

Takes 5 mins to pay the tax at the border.

If the person owes money on the boat, they will not have the title for the boat. The State holds the title till the debt is paid.
It will take a couple weeks to get the title from the state which is mailed to the owner who would then sign it over to you.
Tuff situation to be in when they need your money to pay the debt.

[arimaBOATER]

If I were to buy a boat in the USA ( Washington St. ) I'd get a brand new trailer here in Canada & insure / BC plate on it from an ICBC agent office than go across the border.
Meet the boat seller & then go to do a boat test on the water.
If your satisfied buy the boat & get title/ receipt etc & at the border ya simply pay tax.

Drive home & go enjoy the boat.

[Hohummm]

- make sure you have a copy of the add when heading south across the border.(they'll want to see it)
- make sure you get the title for the boat and the trailer
- have the seller make out seperate bills of sale for the boat, trailer, kicker, and any other items in the deal
- technically need a permit from DMV for every state travelled through, or a Binder policy available through BCAA. I talked the guy I bought it from into leaving his plate on til I got home, then mailed it to him.(lucky)
- Shouldn't have to pay duty on a US made boat
- Expect to pay HST
- Contrary to popular belief, there is no waite at the border.... pay the tax and go.You will have to have the trailer registered (RIV) , along with a BS inspection at Canadian Tire.They never even looked at the boat at the border.

The process is actually quite streamline these days, with much more info on the net.Just brought a Harley back a few months ago too, with min. headaches.

Hope this helps....

This sounds very consistent with everything I've researched so far....will find out for sure on the 13th when we bring a new rescue boat back from Washington.