bringing a motor into the US from Canada

[rhbcolumbine]

I'm driving into Canada to pick up two 7.5 hp motors I've purchased from an individual. The seller will provide a bill of sale (less than $200) for the motors. Do I need anything else to satisfy the US customs folks at the border?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: bringing a motor into the US from Canada

lol, were it me, I would have a truckload of poles and gear and would "have been fishing with my own gear and rented boats" but maybe that isn't such a good idea..... Why not call customs and ask them?

 

[mr 88]

Re: bringing a motor into the US from Canada

lol, were it me, I would have a truckload of poles and gear and would "have been fishing with my own gear and rented boats" but maybe that isn't such a good idea..... Why not call customs and ask them?

Pretty much what I would do.None of these motors have registrations or titles so why create a headache.Free Trade Agreement comes to mind.Anything to declare,,NO sir,,then if quizzed have your fishing story ready,was at friends cottage on Lake whatever and did some fishing.
You can declare them and spend a hour or so in customs filling out paperwork and paying duty,your choice.They are looking for much bigger "fish" than you and some old motors.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: bringing a motor into the US from Canada

Just be honest.
crossing from Canada to US, they don't care what you bought.

It's only if you're taking purchases into Canada that Canadian duty/customs/HST is in issue.

The US is not concerned with boat motors in my experience, but tell them the nature of your trip and what you bought.

 

[JoLin]

Re: bringing a motor into the US from Canada

If you tell them you're an iboats member I think they just wave you through...

Seriously, why risk getting caught in a stupid lie, by a customs agent who has a chip on his shoulder that day? Just call ahead and get your information and paperwork in order, for heaven's sake.

My .02

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: bringing a motor into the US from Canada

I don't think you will have a problem coming back. But as was mentioned, a quick phone call would clear it up for you. In the end, they are looking for nervous people. If you lie about a fishing trip, better be able to do it with a straight face.

 

[rhbcolumbine]

Re: bringing a motor into the US from Canada

Since these are 2 50's Evinrudes unrestored which I intend to restore for the heck of it, it sounds pretty easy. Per CBP in Port Huron, all I have to do is have a bill of sale and when I drive thru the lane, declare it as such and it they want a form 6059 (same one we fill out returning to the US via air for all the jewelry and gifts you bought while in some other country) and if they want that form filled out, I just stop and fill it out. In Canada for < 48hrs, I think the limit before a 3% duty is collected is $200. Piece of cake.

Of course that 's what I said returning from a fishing trip in Canada with 3 other guys and our sons in the 80s and the US guy made us empty the van out on the ground, looking for who knows what. But the kids went crazy running and yelling thru the Customs office (which I must say I didn't mind) until the bossman came out and said, "All right, pack it all up and get these kids outta here".

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: bringing a motor into the US from Canada

last time I was in canada I was driving a semi with a 53' van trailer.... going up canada went through EVERYTHING.... coming back to the US, I pulled to the window.... guy says "you american?" I said "yep" he said "go ahead" LOL..... Of course that was before 9/11

 

[beagleboy]

Re: bringing a motor into the US from Canada

I've heard that US Customs have dogs trained to sniff out outboard motors.

 

[V153]

Re: bringing a motor into the US from Canada

Nothing to get paranoid or make up an elaborate lie about. If you have an accurate, itemized bill of sale it shouldn't be a problem. Going the other direction is when ya run into difficulties.

Yup I've heard those dogs can tell the difference 'tween 2 & 4 stroke ...

 

[wbc1957]

Re: bringing a motor into the US from Canada

Hire a coyote to bring them across! I'll bet those motors will work cheap and quietly long after that!

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: bringing a motor into the US from Canada

Hire a coyote to bring them across! I'll bet those motors will work cheap and quietly long after that!

Or the services of an O/B motor mule.......

Seriously though.... Legitimacy is the best way to approach it. Probably won't charge you much if anything.