So you want to make a few bucks eh?

[Bigprairie1]

Ok...I know lots of the Iboat gang make a few side dollars out of buying and selling boats. I also know that the economy hasn't returned yet back to preferred levels for a lot of our southern neighbours.
Now, I also know that boats in the U.S are quite a bit cheaper than up north here so...here is an idea you can think about...and try. You've got nothing to lose.
If you need to sell your boat or want to flip a local 'deal' you found....try posting it on Craigslist in one of the major Canadian cities. There are going to be lots of Canadians looking south for bargains and buys very shortly as our dollar heads to being on par with (or above) the U.S dollar.
However, be prepared to come up with more than just advertisement. Offer to tow it part way or at least make it a little easier for a possible buyer to pick up....be legitamite, expect the same and you should not have any 'technical' problems.
I know a lot of people already rubbing their hands thinking of what to head south and buy. The biggest hurdle is the distance logistics....but if you can help with that....you might get twice the money you thought you could get for that both. The border paperwork is no big deal any more...easy stuff.
Anywhoooo, just an idea to consider.
BP

 

[skargo]

Re: So you want to make a few bucks eh?

I'd be up for being an east coast liaison and possibly funding some.
I know automobiles are a hassle, boats aren't I take it from your post?

 

[rbh]

Re: So you want to make a few bucks eh?

I'd be up for being an east coast liaison and possibly funding some.
I know automobiles are a hassle, boats aren't I take it from your post?

Cars and trucks are no issue, you just need to give/fax the US customs portal the paper work 72 hour before you go through.
Make it at least 76 hours to be on the safe side.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: So you want to make a few bucks eh?

Cars and trucks are no issue, you just need to give/fax the US customs portal the paper work 72 hour before you go through.
Make it at least 76 hours to be on the safe side.

Actually, I think the U.S customs waived that 72hr period. They had been so inundated over the last couple of years with people bringing back big ticket items that the paperwork was killing them.
You are right tho' about the paperwork bit being a breeze...so long as the title/ownership is original and in good order.
It's going to get very interesting over the next 6 months.
BP

 

[sprintst]

Re: So you want to make a few bucks eh?

I took my boat across at night and was done with paper work in 15 minutes. It was basically a drive through with no 72 hour wait period as the trailer is not motorized (it's all they care about).

As long as the paperwork for bill of sale and previous registration is good you are laughing. The only possible hiccup is a letter from the trailer manufacturer showing that there are no recalls. Mine was a '77 trailer so it is pre-everything as that recall letter stuff came in at a later date.

You can even post some pics on the forum for prospective buyers in response to the ads and you'll have a ton of sales as our prices are inflated from either lack of availability or new cdn purchase price is inflated due to taxation. Much cheaper to buy in the US with a huge selection. It's almost as if there are 307 million of you or something

 

[gonefishie]

Re: So you want to make a few bucks eh?

What types of boat are they looking for and how far south they will be willing to go pick it up? I have a friend who wife's has medical issue and might be selling his boat.

 

[perchin]

Re: So you want to make a few bucks eh?

This also sparks my interest.... I live in MI so meeting at the border is no big deal for me....hmmmm, there are two boats I looked at recently that would be good flips.....

 

[57whitehouse]

Re: So you want to make a few bucks eh?

I've had my fill of boat flips in the last year or two. I'ts fun for a while and then a hassle. I guess I didn't make enough to make it fun.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: So you want to make a few bucks eh?

First: Gonefishie....you asked about types of boats, etc. Well in my very humble opinion I would say fully and easily trailerable boats to start with...ideally at least in the $4000-$10K range, maybe more that on some boats. Anything less than that price wise probably isn't worth the advantage...but that can depend on the buyer. Type of boat?....well I would guess probably anything from quality bowriders, ski/wakeboard boats, nice fishing boats, these are all popular.
As for actual price differences?....simple, maybe some fun homework just clicking on Craigslist:Vancouver/Calgary/Toronto/Ottawa/Regina/ Edmonton/Kelowna,Victoria/Saskatoon/Winnipeg etc and do some evening surfing on how the pricing difference looks to you on what is listed there. Same things goes for the cars and trucks by the way.
Again...in my very humble opinion. the prairies (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) do not have the boat selection they have out here on the coast. That said, they do have very strong oil/resource based economies that I would guess have a few young guys looking for toys....again, just my take on this.
Oh yeah....a lot of these younger guys love the wakeboard boats, as many of you know.
all Good
BP