does this happen to be a 342 baja? I was looking at this boat as well.

The whole cross border deal can be a little overwhelming. I know it was for me when I first had to deal with it.

Over the years we have developed a pretty efficient process of both selling boats to the US and buying boats from the US.

Obstacle number one is the border. Don't try to deal with it yourself. Between $100 and $200 is well spent at a customs broker. The boat and trailer paperwork are sent to the border before you arrive by the broker. You go through as a pre-arranged commercial shipment. Quick and easy.

Now you need to register the boat and trailer with your state or the coast guard. Whether you are buying a boat in Canada, USA, Germany or Somalia use a vessel documentation firm. It is inexpensive and takes a ton of stress and guesswork out of your life. They do it for a living and know what paperwork to get from the seller.

The really tricky part is how the boat gets paid for while protecting both buyer and seller. The safest and best way is to send a wire transfer when the truck is hooked up to the boat. The buyer knows he is getting the boat and the seller knows he is getting his money before the boat leaves.

Here is the problem: International wire transfers are not done the same day. No one wants to sit parked infront of a boat for days waiting for a wire to go through. Most people don't want to take a check or draft from another country either and hope it clears.

Here is the solution: We opened a bank account with a US bank. We can send and recieve wires to and from the US within an hour or two like any American with a bank account can.

After dealing with it for several years, I find it boils down to this: the only real difference for an American in buying a boat in Canada and buying one from the US is the fee to the customs broker to get it over the border easily. The taxes are the same as buying from another state. I recommend using a vessel licensing service either way. There is no duty as long as the boat is US built. The lien search is only $25 to $30.

Like I said, trying to figure it all out can be overwhelming. It really isn't bad at all if you use the tools that are at your disposal.

If anyone from either Canada or the US needs help cross-border shopping, don't hesitate to give me a ring.

Peter Roberts
705 487 7575

Well stated, Peter - clear and precise. Raymond and Peter at DoubleR have handled many of my boat sale and purchases and I am happy to say they are great to do business with and have always treated me fairly. They also move my boats back and forth across the border seamlessly.

Bob

Thanks for the kind words Bob and Jamie.

hay what about that dam gst hay peter how ya doing buddy

The local Canadian GST tax is not applicable to boats we export to the US.

I am doing well Mr. Jim. You will have to pay Canadian tax on your consumables when you come up here boating this summer i.e. steak and beer at Thousand Islands Poker Run??

thats what i meant about good service peter could you call me jamie cascadden 1- 306- 530-0022 regarding the 23 cougar you have listed.thank you