purchase boat from usa
- Thread starter mlaag
- Start date
Gray Escape
Member
Sharphooks
Well-Known Member
Craigzoom.com
First, decide what you want and how far you're willing to drive to get it, then refine your search. Only focus on listings that have phone numbers. Within the first minute of the phone conversation with the seller you should be able to figure out if you're talking to a flake or if you're hooked into someone who knows what he's selling and can properly communicate why it's priced the way it's priced and what he's willing to do to conclude a sale.
First, decide what you want and how far you're willing to drive to get it, then refine your search. Only focus on listings that have phone numbers. Within the first minute of the phone conversation with the seller you should be able to figure out if you're talking to a flake or if you're hooked into someone who knows what he's selling and can properly communicate why it's priced the way it's priced and what he's willing to do to conclude a sale.
Island Fish Lifter
Well-Known Member
Just start looking. If youre in the market, youll figure it out pretty quick.
sir-vivor
Well-Known Member
I bought mine last year from the states and imported it, its very easy providing you got all your docs in place.
Took me 15 min to clear my boat and trailer into Canada.
PM me if you got a question , will try to help ya.
O got my boat off Craigslist but I looked alll over the net
Good Luck, Lots of deals out there but if it smells like a SKUNK leave it alone, lots of cons and don't second guess yourself because there will be another ...
Took me 15 min to clear my boat and trailer into Canada.
PM me if you got a question , will try to help ya.
O got my boat off Craigslist but I looked alll over the net
Good Luck, Lots of deals out there but if it smells like a SKUNK leave it alone, lots of cons and don't second guess yourself because there will be another ...
hooktender68
Well-Known Member
There are lots of good deals. A broker for the border makes the paper work real easy for an uneventful cross. Also dont think you are limited to close sales, like washington or Oregon, lots of good trucking deals as well. I found a nice Pursuit in Ohio off the great lakes that had never seen salt, and got a good deal on trucking from Campion on a back haul that brought the boat to Kelowna where I went to pick it up.
Good luck!
Good luck!
elnino54
Member
I bought mine off the sweetest couple in Oregon you'd ever want to meet. Terrific people, we still keep in touch. He's 84, she's 81. She loves fishing, he can't stand fishing. He drove a boat for her so she could fish for over 40 years. LOL Craigslist was the medium. Easy to import.
searun
Well-Known Member
x 2 on Yacht World.
Process is dead easy. You do not need to hire a Customs Broker either. Just get all your paperwork together to show you have clear title on the vessel and trailer, copy of sales contract, copies of banking transactions to show that the sales contract amount is legit...otherwise risk them just looking up value and charging you tax on book value. Depends on mood of the Customs Agent, so better to be prepared. Go to U Ship for shipping quote - excellent service, works just like EBAY and you can read the feedback profiles to make your choice of shipper. I would recommend making sure the shipper has proper insurance as you will not be able to buy insurance in the US for the boat as you are not a US citizen. Plenty of good deals to be had, and far better choice/selection.
Process is dead easy. You do not need to hire a Customs Broker either. Just get all your paperwork together to show you have clear title on the vessel and trailer, copy of sales contract, copies of banking transactions to show that the sales contract amount is legit...otherwise risk them just looking up value and charging you tax on book value. Depends on mood of the Customs Agent, so better to be prepared. Go to U Ship for shipping quote - excellent service, works just like EBAY and you can read the feedback profiles to make your choice of shipper. I would recommend making sure the shipper has proper insurance as you will not be able to buy insurance in the US for the boat as you are not a US citizen. Plenty of good deals to be had, and far better choice/selection.
Tsquared
Well-Known Member
x2 with what Searay said re the uship site. I got several quotes from boat haulers and I picked one that was in the middle as far as price went. He had a good rep and good references. It cost me $2500 US to get a 19 ft Arima and trailer hauled (both my boat and trailer on his trailer) from Georgia to Everett, where we picked it up and brought it through customs.
T2
T2
sdboats.com, yatcht world.com. I bought a 26' skipjack in San Diego. The broker I hired had me take posession in Canada NOT in Cal (a letter giving me the authority to haul the boat back and deliver it here). Sportsfishing has been poor the last few years as well as the economy so prices are great.
JAC
Well-Known Member
Bought a boat down south last year from Craigslist. For me I bought the ameican money on a day with a good exchange and then I watched for a good deal. If your not in a hurry you can get american money from an investor like edward jones instead of a bank, they have better exchange rates. Make sure you have all the paper work ready for the border and away you go. No joke I was in the border for less than 10 mins start to finish pay the tax and down the road I went. Very Easy and worth the time and work to save thousands.
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I was looking for a few years and almost purchased a Grady 208 about 3 years ago, but after seeing the pictures that the surveyor sent me, I passed on it. Then last summer I found a very clean, very low hour, fresh water Boston Whaler Conquest on Craigs. Craigs with the Jaxed Mash feature was the best for looking for a boat or whatever, but unfortunately it is no longer being allowed to be used. I drove to the US and picked it up and with complete documentation was through the border in around 15 minutes. Both Canada Border Service and RIV didn't even look at the boat or trailer, but only wanted to see my Credit Card.
searun
Well-Known Member
Agree with AIK and JAC - been my experience that it is dead easy. No need for customs brokers. Your comment about the border guy just being interested in my credit card is bang on...gave them the keys and they never even looked inside - just checked the serial numbers and let me go when I paid up.
Finished Business
Well-Known Member
Couldn't agree more either. Brought a couple of vehicles up and getting paid was the main concern. Read the Vin#'s and off I went.
Only difference from a car to a boat is the 3 day waiting period I believe. But that can all be solved if you fax the doc's 3 days prior to arriving. Then there is no hold and you drive right through.
Cant wait to bring a boat up...sounds even easier.
I purchased a boat last spring from the states. My #1 recommendation is to do your homework! Purchasing a boat in the states is likely an easy task 80% of the time but it’s the other 20% of the time that warrants the extra time and effort. The boat I purchased had 2 liens on it and was owned by an absolute idiot. It wasn’t an easy process but it was well worth the effort for me. The following is a list of things that I did (and a few I learned along the way):
Before you purchase, you need to:
-Get the boat and trailer registration numbers. Walk away if the seller does not have them!
-Do applicable vessel searches if you want.
o http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/CoastGuard/index.html
o http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/
-Ensure the seller has a clear title for the trailer and boat. For newer boats with paperless title, hire a company out of Anacortes Washington, Marine Document Services. It will cost $250 for them to get the paper trail you need for Canada Customs. You can also get it converted to paper yuorself but your and the owner have to go to a governement agent, stand in line and hope for the best.
-Ensure the trailer has a manufacturer's valid U.S. Statement of Compliance (SOC) label on it.
-Ensure the trailer has a valid alpha-numeric 17-digit VIN on it
-Go to www.RIV.ca and go through the checklist to ensure you can get a recall clearance letter for the trailer. You will have to contact the original trailer manufacturer to obtain the recall clearance letter. You must have this document at the border.
-Confirm a method of payment with the seller. Sellers usually require cash or electronic transfer.
-A satisfactory sea-trial should be made a condition of purchase.
-Print copies of the Ad in case Canada border doesn’t believe you.
-Submit the recall clearance letter to RIV by fax (1-888-642-9899) or by e-mail (recall@riv.ca). Keep a hardcopy!
-get in-transit permit from the originating state. (Check with each state you enter to ensure the permit is valid in that state.) Temporary Permit from Washington's State Licensing Centers www.dol.wa.gov $30
-get a temporary BC insurance policy called a "binder of insurance." for the trailer
From the seller, you need:
-Trailer bill of sale (private seller) or commercial invoice (company). Bring blank copies for them to sign.
-Boat bill of sale (private seller) or commercial invoice (company). Bring blank copies for them to sign.
-Clear title for the trailer, which previous owner must sign waiving all rights to the trailer
-Clear title for the boat, which previous owner must sign waiving all rights to the boat
At the border crossing, you need:
-Paperwork – 2 titles, 2 bills of sale, and a copy of the ad in case they do not believe the price
-Pay the 5% tax on the trailer using Visa
-Complete a Vehicle Import Form - Form 1 at the border – It must get a stamp.
-Ask to take the RIV Form #2 home and complete it online
Once back in BC, you need to:
-Complete the RIV Form #2 online - $219 - www.RIV.ca
-After a few days rest at home:
a.get a 1-day Temporary Operators Permit from an autoplan agent
b.get the trailer inspected at a crappy tire:
i.Check all trailer lights, tires, etc so it passes
ii.Bring the Form #2 with you
iii.Be sure they stamp the Form #2
c.Register and insure the trailer with an Autoplan broker. You must have:
i.Vehicle Import Form 1 with two stamps from CBSA
ii.CBSA document B15, or B3 or B4
iii.the vehicle's original Certificate of Title or Certificate of Origin
iv.a "passed" Crappy Tire inspection report, signed
v.Pay another 7% tax on the trailer using Visa
-Send a copy of the completed Form #2 to RIV and they will send a transport Canada label for the trailer
-License the boat through http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-news-menu-3215.htm
-Buy the boat stickers at Staples
Before you purchase, you need to:
-Get the boat and trailer registration numbers. Walk away if the seller does not have them!
-Do applicable vessel searches if you want.
o http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/CoastGuard/index.html
o http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/
-Ensure the seller has a clear title for the trailer and boat. For newer boats with paperless title, hire a company out of Anacortes Washington, Marine Document Services. It will cost $250 for them to get the paper trail you need for Canada Customs. You can also get it converted to paper yuorself but your and the owner have to go to a governement agent, stand in line and hope for the best.
-Ensure the trailer has a manufacturer's valid U.S. Statement of Compliance (SOC) label on it.
-Ensure the trailer has a valid alpha-numeric 17-digit VIN on it
-Go to www.RIV.ca and go through the checklist to ensure you can get a recall clearance letter for the trailer. You will have to contact the original trailer manufacturer to obtain the recall clearance letter. You must have this document at the border.
-Confirm a method of payment with the seller. Sellers usually require cash or electronic transfer.
-A satisfactory sea-trial should be made a condition of purchase.
-Print copies of the Ad in case Canada border doesn’t believe you.
-Submit the recall clearance letter to RIV by fax (1-888-642-9899) or by e-mail (recall@riv.ca). Keep a hardcopy!
-get in-transit permit from the originating state. (Check with each state you enter to ensure the permit is valid in that state.) Temporary Permit from Washington's State Licensing Centers www.dol.wa.gov $30
-get a temporary BC insurance policy called a "binder of insurance." for the trailer
From the seller, you need:
-Trailer bill of sale (private seller) or commercial invoice (company). Bring blank copies for them to sign.
-Boat bill of sale (private seller) or commercial invoice (company). Bring blank copies for them to sign.
-Clear title for the trailer, which previous owner must sign waiving all rights to the trailer
-Clear title for the boat, which previous owner must sign waiving all rights to the boat
At the border crossing, you need:
-Paperwork – 2 titles, 2 bills of sale, and a copy of the ad in case they do not believe the price
-Pay the 5% tax on the trailer using Visa
-Complete a Vehicle Import Form - Form 1 at the border – It must get a stamp.
-Ask to take the RIV Form #2 home and complete it online
Once back in BC, you need to:
-Complete the RIV Form #2 online - $219 - www.RIV.ca
-After a few days rest at home:
a.get a 1-day Temporary Operators Permit from an autoplan agent
b.get the trailer inspected at a crappy tire:
i.Check all trailer lights, tires, etc so it passes
ii.Bring the Form #2 with you
iii.Be sure they stamp the Form #2
c.Register and insure the trailer with an Autoplan broker. You must have:
i.Vehicle Import Form 1 with two stamps from CBSA
ii.CBSA document B15, or B3 or B4
iii.the vehicle's original Certificate of Title or Certificate of Origin
iv.a "passed" Crappy Tire inspection report, signed
v.Pay another 7% tax on the trailer using Visa
-Send a copy of the completed Form #2 to RIV and they will send a transport Canada label for the trailer
-License the boat through http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-news-menu-3215.htm
-Buy the boat stickers at Staples
eriks
Active Member
AIK is correct about Jaxed Mash, it's great.
http://boat.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/boat....=&ps=50000&pe=500000&ys=&ye=&so=d&submit=+GO+
I like Whalers, so the link will default to Whalers, but you can select whatever type of boat you want to find. The did exclude Craigslist previously (CL mission is to only sell locally), but now it still searches CL and reports them thru a third party.
You'll save thousands buying down south, and you get a huge selection if you're after a Grady, Whaler or some other popular brand. I bought my boat in Florida and it was easy to get it shrink wrapped and transported up to the border. It's a no-brainer fellas!
http://boat.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/boat....=&ps=50000&pe=500000&ys=&ye=&so=d&submit=+GO+
I like Whalers, so the link will default to Whalers, but you can select whatever type of boat you want to find. The did exclude Craigslist previously (CL mission is to only sell locally), but now it still searches CL and reports them thru a third party.
You'll save thousands buying down south, and you get a huge selection if you're after a Grady, Whaler or some other popular brand. I bought my boat in Florida and it was easy to get it shrink wrapped and transported up to the border. It's a no-brainer fellas!
Just a heads up, in my case my trailer passed the Canadian Tire inspection, but they made no mention in regards to the brakes. My trailer is a tandem axel rated for 5700lb with brakes only on one axel. BC requirements are that each axel must have brakes. Makes one wonder about the inspections being done by CT.
searun
Well-Known Member
10-4 on trailer brakes - that can get expensive. Generally trailers in US are way less expensive so you can factor that into price or negotiate to get one with brakes on all axels. Blue has each step laid out perfectly. Looks like a long list, but really isn't. Only other advice is hire a marine surveyor to ensure your boat checks out and doesn't have hidden issues like rotting transom or stringers. Will cost just over $500, but worth it. You will also need it to insure your vessel to the correct value - because you generally get a huge deal but the boat is worth way more - survey will help.
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