I'm considering purchasing a C-Dory 22' but there doesn't appear to be many used ones available in Canada. In the past with exchange rate being what it was I couldn't consider buying one in the states but now that the rate is much better it's worth considering. I was wondering if there are any Canadian C-dory owners who have purchased a used C-Dory from the states and would like to share their knowledge on what is involved in purchasing a boat across borders. Is it an easy process or are there a lot of hoops to jump thru.
Purchasing a C-Dory out of country
- Thread starter AJF
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Anonymous
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I bought my used boat (an Arima) last year from the US. Because it is a US built boat (FTA) I had to pay PST & GST but no duty. But hang on to your receipt for your payment of PST/GST because your territory may come calling to ensure you paid their portion of the tax.
You will have to get the trailer approved (which I didn't have to do because the boat didn't come with one). I've heard this can be done at Can Tire for around $250.00. I don't however know the logistics of this once you're at the border.
Then to get a registration No. (BC #) I went to Service Canada Office with my bill of sale. This service was free. You may want to get some insurance a.s.a.p. I don't know how early in the process this can be done.
I have heard that Canadian Border Services is very helpful. I have also heard of some people having problems, with The US Border Services, taking a boat and trailer out of US because of incorrect or lacking documentation (title documents for both boat and trailer).
You will have to get the trailer approved (which I didn't have to do because the boat didn't come with one). I've heard this can be done at Can Tire for around $250.00. I don't however know the logistics of this once you're at the border.
Then to get a registration No. (BC #) I went to Service Canada Office with my bill of sale. This service was free. You may want to get some insurance a.s.a.p. I don't know how early in the process this can be done.
I have heard that Canadian Border Services is very helpful. I have also heard of some people having problems, with The US Border Services, taking a boat and trailer out of US because of incorrect or lacking documentation (title documents for both boat and trailer).
AJF
See my post in the documents section of this forum. You must have a bill of sale, titles for the boat and trailer and a letter from the trailer manufacturer indicating that there are no outstanding recalls on the trailer when you cross the border. Look up the website www.RIV.ca as it is a very info site for importing vehicles into Canada. They also have a telephone contact number listed on their site which you can call. They were very helpful when I bought and imported my 22' angler from Reno Neveda last August. When importing boats and trailers US customs is not normally involved. US customs is of concern when importing four wheel motorize vehicles. Good Luck!
wapiti
See my post in the documents section of this forum. You must have a bill of sale, titles for the boat and trailer and a letter from the trailer manufacturer indicating that there are no outstanding recalls on the trailer when you cross the border. Look up the website www.RIV.ca as it is a very info site for importing vehicles into Canada. They also have a telephone contact number listed on their site which you can call. They were very helpful when I bought and imported my 22' angler from Reno Neveda last August. When importing boats and trailers US customs is not normally involved. US customs is of concern when importing four wheel motorize vehicles. Good Luck!
wapiti
Hi AJF,
This might not apply to your situation, but might be of use to others. If your boat is financed by a lender in the US, you need a "release" from them stating that they are OK with you taking the boat out of the country. I spent four days south of the border waiting for that to arrive.
On these topics, I have a question, too. My sailboat is in the US, on a trailer manufactured about 1990 in the US. That manufacturer is no longer in business, so I have no means of getting any information about recalls. So, it seems that Transport Canada will not allow me to import that trailer. I don't want to drop 2-3 kilobucks on a new trailer, even though brakes would be nice. I guess my alternatives are to get a new trailer in Bellingham on the way north, or get rid of the trailer there and sail home. Any advice?
Rod
This might not apply to your situation, but might be of use to others. If your boat is financed by a lender in the US, you need a "release" from them stating that they are OK with you taking the boat out of the country. I spent four days south of the border waiting for that to arrive.
On these topics, I have a question, too. My sailboat is in the US, on a trailer manufactured about 1990 in the US. That manufacturer is no longer in business, so I have no means of getting any information about recalls. So, it seems that Transport Canada will not allow me to import that trailer. I don't want to drop 2-3 kilobucks on a new trailer, even though brakes would be nice. I guess my alternatives are to get a new trailer in Bellingham on the way north, or get rid of the trailer there and sail home. Any advice?
Rod
Thanks for the quick replies to my question. It looks like it would be worth considering buying a used boat in the states as long as the seller has all the required documentation for both boat and trailer. I guess I'll have to check out Alaska first as lower 48 is a long drive away.
When I was looking for a C-Dory last summer I did notice quite a few for sale in Alaska. As I live near Edmonton Alberta it was much more convenient to but from the NW states. Also you might want to look into whether there are companies that will transport your boat from Alaska to Whitehorse.
Good Luck
wapiti
Good Luck
wapiti
I just bought a C-Dory from the States on Oct 2/09. I was an easier process than i thought it would be. The seller had all the proper and required original ownership and registration papers.I bank wired the money to the seller in California on Oct. 2/09 and he got it the same day.I put my boat on UShip that same night, eccepted an offer and the boat was picked up on Oct.5/09.The boat was delieverd to Sault Ste. Marie. Michigan on Oct.9/09..shipper couldn/t deliver it to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada because he had no Passport. Customs was no problem what so-ever.Just asked me for the bill of sale/original trailer and boat ownership papers.The trailer was over 15 years old so i was exempt from Federal or Provincial inspection. Drove the boat with California trailer plates from Michigan into Canada and than home with no problems. Went and got my boats registration numbers and i was good to go. Just be sure the seller has all the original ownership/registration paper and you will have no problems.