[winslow59]

I am expecting to purchase a sailboat this year. I live off an income (about $20000/year) from SS (46%) and a from an investment (54%). I expect to pay half the boat purchase in cash (set aside for this purpose) and finance the remainder (purchase price ~ $75K).

I''m currently a resident of Washington (has a sales tax, no state income tax). Also in the northwest are Oregon (no sales tax, has a state income tax) and Alaska (no sales tax or state income tax). I have no ties that hold me to any particular place. I do want to live aboard and sail the Sound, San Juans, Gulf Islands and interesting places in the Pacific NW. Possibly venturing south & west in a few years.

So what are the rules for residency, boat registration, taxes...that sort of stuff. This is not an area i have any experience with and I find most of the information provided by the states a bit confusing and/or incomplete.

Is there someone here who can provide some insight based on experience or a greater capacity to understand all the rules and regulations?

And British Columbia, Canada - with no boarders, laws and regulations - I would probably spend most of my time in BC. What does BC require? How long can I be in their waters?