Canadians purchasing U.S. boat - How best to?

[Benchmark]

We're sure it's been done before....but we're confused about how to best go about it.

Are there any Canadian citizens on the forum who have bought a boat with the intention of only using it as a winter vessel, a warm weather liveaboard.

We are attempting to figure out the best ownership strategy as to where/how to register a trawler, and how to manage it keeping in mind the various tax regimes in force in the eastern and gulf coastal states.

Anyone who is/has done this willing to advise newbies to the exposures, please contact via private e-mail:

henriaube@outlook.com

with a contact phone number, and we'd be happy to call at your convenience.

All the best...great forum...

 

[LaBomba]

Benchmark, first welcome to the forum. I have purchased boats in the US and imported them to Canada and that was a simple process IMO, but that is not what you are contemplating I don`t think. There are certainly many people, one that comes to mind, that have purchased US boats and left them registered in the US so as not to pay duties, taxes etc. One fellow I met last summer from Barrie in a 58 ft. Hatteras, bought his, left it in Florida for 10 years and then finally brought it to Barrie and still the boat is registered in Florida and no taxes or duties paid so far as I know. Unless something happens to flag the Canadian Customs it is unlikely they will ever know or care. Worst case is you have to pay up. If the boat never enters Canada it is irrelevant. Good luck with your plans whatever they may be.

 

[Benchmark]

U.S. winter liveaboard only

Hi LaBomba,

Yes we are only interested in using a trawler as a winter home, much like some Canadians buy and use a condo. We do not wish to import it to Canada.

However, things get complicated when a boat moves around for various periods from state to state....hence our questions regarding potential pitfalls.

State Boating Information Home - Government Affairs - BoatUS

is a great source of information.

 

[The Endless River]

how about me buying a boat in Canada and bringing back to NY??

 

[Capt Kangeroo]

Benchmark, We recently went through this. I sent a PM to your mail here on the forum.