CANADA/USA Free Trade and Boats. HELP WITH ANSWER

[Jeff Quigley]

OK. Here's the situation:<br /><br />I've been looking for a bigger boat. I'm in Toronto Canada. Growing interest and a growing family, yadda, yadda, yadda.... I found a boat in PA. The owner of the boat I'm looking at wants a smaller boat and likes mine. We've talked and we feel that a straight trade is fair.<br /><br />So here is the question:<br /><br />What am I to expect at the CAN/US boarder? I don't have the kahoona's to drive down with mine, swap the plates and drive back across with the new boat. Seeing it's a straight swap, does anyone know if I'll have to pay a duty? Pay taxes or anything else? Both boats have clear titles and I just want to know what to expect coming home if we finalize the deal.<br /><br />Thanks in advance for any help on this.<br /><br />Jeff<br /><br />--

 

[Silvertip]

Re: CANADA/USA Free Trade and Boats. HELP WITH ANSWER

It would appear the best thing to do would be to make a few phone calls to your Motor Vehicle Department and both the US and Canadian Customs Service. You probably wouldn't have any problem at the border going either way. However when both parties attempt to transfer titles on the boats and trailers, you will be hit with the various fees. Taxes are generally based on the difference paid but that varies by state and I have no idea how Canadian officials would handle that transaction. For all they know, you left town and came back with a boat. They won't know you traded the old one unless the titles eventually end up back in Canada or unless both of you sign bills of sale listing serial numbers, model numbers, engine type & serial number, etc. (which you should do anyway). Keep us posted. Its an interesting situation.

 

[cuzner]

Re: CANADA/USA Free Trade and Boats. HELP WITH ANSWER

Not sure of your specific situation, however... good news is, no duty on N.A. built boats, only pst + gst, bad news is the trailer will be an issue. You will be required to to pay a custom broker fee, around 160$, and have it safetied at an approved garage (some Canadian tire stores). And make sure you have all the paper work when you cross!!!Call your local Canada Custom office, they are ussualy pleasant and helpful on the phone.<br /><br /><br /> Good luck!!!<br /> Jim