Bringing used boat and trailer to Canada from Washington State

[Chris N]

We're planning on buying a used boat and trailer in Washington State but we're unsure of the procedure for legally getting the trailer back to Canada. If we buy it, then the original owners will want to cancel their insurance on the trailer. We have been told that in order for us to license and register the trailer in Washington, we'll need to produce a WA State driver's license and a residential address. We've purchased boats from the USA before but they've never included a trailer. Previously we have purchased the trailer in Canada and taken it down to pick up the boat. Any input is greatly appreciated. Cheers.

 

[rbh]

Re: Bringing used boat and trailer to Canada from Washington State

Go to your ICBC dealer and get rider insurance, and when you pick up the boat and trailer in Wash state you can get a temp permit or even better get the owner to put a temp permit on it.
At the boarder you will need to fill in the RIV paper work and pay the taxes and then you need a letter from the trailer company or ??? stating if there is any recalls (really easy)
When you get your RIV paper work in a week, or its all on line now can't remember???, its off to Canuck tire for an inspection.

(look at importation of out of country vehicles on the RIV site)

 

[Chris N]

Re: Bringing used boat and trailer to Canada from Washington State

Thanx for the response. I'm starting to think that it will be more feasible to purchase a new trailer here in Canada and take it with us. The trailer that comes with the boat is 24 years old so I can just imagine what a motor vehicle inspection will end up costing by the time we get it passed. A brand new trailer is $5500.00, and I'd be able to insure it right away.

 

[rbh]

Re: Bringing used boat and trailer to Canada from Washington State

Thanx for the response. I'm starting to think that it will be more feasible to purchase a new trailer here in Canada and take it with us. The trailer that comes with the boat is 24 years old so I can just imagine what a motor vehicle inspection will end up costing by the time we get it passed. A brand new trailer is $5500.00, and I'd be able to insure it right away.

As long as the trailer was maintained it shouldn't be an issue.
Was this boat trailered into salt water often?
Fresh water will dry out, salt water leaves salt through out the frame and axle/tires/brakes.

 

[Chris N]

Re: Bringing used boat and trailer to Canada from Washington State

The boat and trailer were fresh water used only. My problem is with the age of the trailer. It's 24 years old and it may cost me more to get it to pass the inspection than it would to just drive to Vancouver and buy a new one for $3600.00. Road Runner will build one for this boat for that price and say it will only take them two or three days.

 

[skyking897]

Re: Bringing used boat and trailer to Canada from Washington State

When we brought our trailer into Canada the RIV inspection at CTC was a JOKE. The guy only wanted to know what size tires were on the trailer so he could fill out the paperwork. He didn't inspect anything. He took all of 30 seconds to walk out to the trailer and check the tire size. He jokingly said, the trailer must be safe, you towed it here.
There is an age limit on RIV inspections and since your trailer is 24 years old, you may not have to go through that process. Check out there web site to be sure.

 

[skyking897]

Re: Bringing used boat and trailer to Canada from Washington State

Something else, I know each state has different laws regarding this but we imported ours from Michigan and I didn't have to have insurance to transfer the trailer title (in Michigan) and I got a 30 day trip permit. Not sure if this was because we were exporting the boat and trailer or ????. Something I did before we went to pick it up was inform my insurance company.