Advice needed about buying a boat out of Canada, brokers, etc.

I am interested in a boat that is in Canada. I do not have a passport so I can not go into Canada. I will not buy sight unseen. The owner has offered to bring the boat to the US. From what I have gathered he would have to "import" the boat to the US not just pull it across to be able sell it legally. Obviously, he will not want to "import" it before I have agreed to buy it. Customs suggested that I hire a broker for the transaction. Can someone explain to me how this would work with a broker and if anyone has used a broker with good results their contact info. would be great. Also, typically what does a broker charge? I am 24 hours from the border so return trips are very undesirable...

Here is how I bought my Viper from a guy in Canada. The seller had a buddy that drove from NY to BC to visit, on the guys way back to NY he towed the Viper to me in MN. All he had to do was when coming into the US was to fill out a 7501 form at the US boarder area port on the trailer. They could care less about the boat, just the trailer as it is considered a vehicle or DOT regulated. I don't think it even cost any money as when I went to Canada last year to get my Allision they just had me filled it out and l was on my way. Do not say your are selling it, dont say you are buying it is the key. Just towing the boat to the US, thats it.

https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/publica...s?title_1=7501

How did it work when you registered it being it had Canadian paperwork?

Just get your passport and come for a visit ! The US dollar goes a long way up here, we're friendly and have good beer :D :cheers:

LOL,
Matt

Bill of sale and titles. As long as you have the paperwork for the trailer from the seller, and you have a bill of sale for the boat and motor you can register it in the US. Specific states have different rules, like for my Viper it was under 16 foot so in MN I did not need a title, just bill of sale. For my Allison I needed the title. Trailers you can work around most times. If there is a title it makes it much much easier. BUT.... you can always say its home made too. hard sometimes but works.

Now I would confirm what documents the seller has, get some copies and bring it to your states DMV and make sure it all works for them.

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Originally Posted by MattGreen

Just get your passport and come for a visit ! The US dollar goes a long way up here, we're friendly and have good beer :D :cheers:

LOL,
Matt

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Looks like a 4-6 week wait for a passport or I would

OMG I never knew you needed a passport to get into Canada

Till I was 18 I spent every summer there, hitchhiking over when I was 15, always crossing the Peace Bridge into Buffalo.

I'm looking at a sea ray in Winsor soon, beautiful in the pictures, a pampered old girl.

American money is now worth 36 cents more in Canada.

you can get the enhanced DL also that serves as a land border crossing for Mexico and Canada VS an actual passport.

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Originally Posted by rjdubiel

you can get the enhanced DL also that serves as a land border crossing for Mexico and Canada VS an actual passport.

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I don't think my state offers these. I do have a TWIC but have read that this no longer qualifies
BTW, I am in south Louisiana

Is there a way for an American to avoid paying Canadian sales tax?

Toronto Yacht Sales said you pay Tax where/when you register it.



For private boats to go through the Welland Canal is a flat rate of $200.00 Canadian:D

Lake Ontario to Lake Erie

I shipped a boat from Canada using a private shipper. All we needed was the EPA form for the engine and a bill of sale. No broker needed

I know selling a motor to a Canadian required a broker. Cost was astronomical till I was advised UPS would do it for $75. Buyer would not deal with UPS so deal was killed and I had to have motor returned to me from NY. Buyer paid for all the shipping so I was not out anything.

Rock