Canadian Buying A Used US boat to keep in US

[sailhound104]

Hi. I am a Canadian considering the purchase of a US boat to stay moored in the US. I can find lots of info on bringing a US boat into Canada, but nothing on buying and mooring in the US. Any advice on the transfer and tax implications would be appreciated!

Alex

[ebs001]

Go here where there is currently a discussion going on about this very topic.
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/cruisi...g-reg-u-s.html

[hellosailor]

Alex, as you are not a US citizen you cannot obtain US federal documentation for a boat, and there's probably no reason you'd even want it. With a Canadian flag you'd have problems being limited to a 1-year cruising permit and possible renewals.

So the option left is US state registration, which is usually similar to state car registration, but the specifics differ in EACH STATE. You'd need to look up the motor vehicle or vessel registration rules for the specific state(s) you are interested in, as well as the tax rules for that state. It may be subject to sales tax, personal property tax, require a mailing address in that state, etc. Again, this all varies in each state. Check their web site, then call if you need further information.

Of course if you need insurance (as many marinas will require) the insurer may have requirements for a distant/foreign owner as well.

[sailhound104]

Hello hello sailor. Thanks for the info. I currently have a CDN boat moored in Blaine, WA and have a cruiser's permit. I was under the impression when I got it that it was a one-time thing, as opposed to annual. I'll check that out. I'll do some research on the WA state tax laws to see if they would charge a CDN sales tax on a used boat that is sold to a CDN to be kept in the US.

Thanks again,
Alex