Wanted: Importing a boat from Canada?

[zbskii]

Has anybody imported a boat from Canada to the US? I'm assuming you have to pay some kind of tariff - what exactly was the process? Did you go through a customs broker?

-Brett

[captnjack]

If its new and made in Canada there are a bunch of NAFTA duty exemptions. Mine qualified. The manufacturer/seller handled the paperwork for me (and there was very little).

Is this a new or used boat? From a dealer or private sale? Made in Canada or US, or made in Europe or NZ or??

[zbskii]

It is a used boat from Canada to the US from a private seller, with a trailer.

-Brett

[jyasaki]

I did, but like Jack, it was new.

I think you can get a decent view of importation for used boats by looking at your state requirements for used cars. In general, they treat both as "vehicles" as far as taxes and such. Also be aware that you are importing 2 vehicles: the boat, and the trailer.

jky

[captnjack]

The trailer needs to be USDOT certified in order to be licensed in Oregon. If it is and isn't too old there should be a sticker on it stating that, or you can call the trailer manufacturer for such a declaration.

There will be export paperwork from Canada, you take that to US Customs and that's about it. Duty will depend on value and country of origin, like I said my new canadian made boat was exempt from duty.

If you are driving this boat south yourself, the easiest thing to do is just call the Port in Blaine, ask them what you need and do it yourself. I woudn't deal with a broker, its not that complicated, boats and cars are sold across the border constantly.

Blaine CBP
Service Port - Blaine

[zbskii]

Sweet thanks. Also trailers under 1800lbs do not need to be registered in Oregon - maybe I can just squeek by!

-Brett

Originally Posted by captnjack

The trailer needs to be USDOT certified in order to be licensed in Oregon. If it is and isn't too old there should be a sticker on it stating that, or you can call the trailer manufacturer for such a declaration.

There will be export paperwork from Canada, you take that to US Customs and that's about it. Duty will depend on value and country of origin, like I said my new canadian made boat was exempt from duty.

If you are driving this boat south yourself, the easiest thing to do is just call the Port in Blaine, ask them what you need and do it yourself. I woudn't deal with a broker, its not that complicated, boats and cars are sold across the border constantly.

Blaine CBP
Service Port - Blaine

[jyasaki]

Trailers under 1800 lbs?

What size boat are you buying? My trailer is pretty heavy duty, designed for a 19 - 22 foot hard boat, 2" x 6" x 12' bunks, 5200 lb axle, drum brakes, and weighs 850 lbs.

jky

[captnjack]

Originally Posted by jyasaki

Trailers under 1800 lbs?

What size boat are you buying? My trailer is pretty heavy duty, designed for a 19 - 22 foot hard boat, 2" x 6" x 12' bunks, 5200 lb axle, drum brakes, and weighs 850 lbs.

jky

In Oregon if the loaded trailer (+boat) is less than 1800lbs its not required to be registered.
Oregon DMV Boats & Boat Trailers

My 15.5 ali RIB is <1800lbs on its trailer (never weighed it though), I'm guessing zbskii might be buying something modest.

[zbskii]

Originally Posted by captnjack

In Oregon if the loaded trailer (+boat) is less than 1800lbs its not required to be registered.
Oregon DMV Boats & Boat Trailers

My 15.5 ali RIB is <1800lbs on its trailer (never weighed it though), I'm guessing zbskii might be buying something modest.

Yep - getting my feet wet with a 16 foot hurricane.

[Stoo]

Originally Posted by zbskii

Yep - getting my feet wet with a 16 foot hurricane.

Best to check the specs. Dem's Hurricanes is HEAVY!