If you’re thinking about purchasing a vessel across the border, you might be wondering about what the process to import a boat from USA will look like. Well, don’t worry, because we’ve gathered a few recommendations on what to do in such a situation.
Import a Boat From USA
Importing a boat can be a complicated process both logistically and bureaucratically, which is why it’s so important to keep a few key directions in mind at the time of getting started with the process. For example, it will be up to you to check the vessel for any liens that may be placed on the boat, such as, for example, loans and unpaid repairs. It’s always a good idea to check for these yourself even if the seller claims that the ownership is clear of them. Also worth noting is that if the boat comes with a trailer, the trailer will need to have a valid VIN, so call the Canadian Registrar of Imported Vehicles to find out if the VIN is valid before purchasing the vessel.
Be Responsible With the Purchase
Of course, making a responsible vessel purchase goes beyond simply checking for liens and claims. You also need to be smart about the whole thing. For example, it will always be a smart idea to arrange for a professional boat survey of the hull and the motor before making a formal offer. This way, you will be able to make sure that they’re in good shape and worth the money that you’ll be spending on them. After all, you want to make sure that you can negotiate a fair price on the boat and avoid any potential surprises after the fact. It’s also good to avoid going with surveys that are recommended by the seller, finding your own instead. Additionally, remember not to sign an agreement of purchase until you’ve made sure everything is in good shape for your purchase.
Importing the Boat
Once you’ve completed the purchase, you will need to arrange for the insurance. Now, there are going to be cases in which your tow vehicle’s insurance can be extended to cover a boat or trailer when transporting them back to Canada, but you will need to look into your specific situation. Remember not to stop at United States Customs when crossing the border. Instead, stop at Canada Customs and declare that you are importing a boat, which means sharing the value and selling price of the vessel. Always tell the truth when answering customs officials’ questions, but also remember that you don’t have to give away details they’re not asking for.
Registering the Boat
Every vessel owner in Canada knows how important it is to keep your registration in order at the time of operating in Canadian waters. After all, you want to avoid having to pay fines or having your vessel forcibly docked. In the interest of helping you keep everything in order, we at the National Vessel Registry Center have made sure to provide you with all the relevant forms and the platform to submit them. If at any point in the process you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by calling us at +1 (800) 419-9569 or emailing info@canadianvesselregistry.ca.