I've found a couple threads similar to the situation I may encounter, but I'm looking for first hand knowledge from someone so I am prepared when the time comes. I am looking to purchase a new boat, without an engine, in Canada and bring back here. Info I have found outlines EPA form 3520-21, but what if I purchased the boat from a manufacturer with no engine or engine components? Can't find any information on someone who has purchased an INBOARD vessel in Canada with no engine, and brought it back to USA to find/buy/build their own engine to then install. Anyone done this exact thing? I assume they would treat it as an empty hull, assume I'll purchase a US compliant engine later, and I simply pay my duty tax on the hull/trailer and be on my way. But it would be a nightmare to find out otherwise at the border. Thanks in advance

What make is the boat? If built in the US it is quite simple

I don't know if this answers the question, but when I bought a boat from a guy in Canada, he drove it across the border for "vacation", and then I took possession of it in the US. It sure cleaned up allot of things.

It's Canadian built.

It's a brand new boat, so not only would the manufacturer NOT do that, but I may run into trouble at my local DMV when trying to license it without declaration/importation paperwork. Thank you tho

Contact border services for what you need to do and the process of paperwork.

Is it a Tuff hull?

Looking at Outlaw Eagle and a couple others manufacturers. I know you normally would need EPA form etc..but if it's an empty hull, no motor...🤷🏻‍♂️ Can't find that exact experience

Saw this when looking briefly into it:

https://cbpcomplaints.cbp.gov/s/arti...language=en_US

I delivered a Top Gun from Canada to Buffalo NY, the new owners met me at the US side. There were no engines in the boat. We went inside to Customs -- after 20 minutes of calling to their Superiors they looked at us and said there was no paperwork required -- I believe they stamped the bill of sale for the hull but that was it... Said that if there were engines it would have been much different...

Is a top gun a US made boat? I know the two things that matter are engines...and if it is US made returning to US, or Canada made going to US for first time. If it's CA going to US, taxes have to be paid, if not, no taxes paid.

Thanks for the experience...feeling better about my chances