How does one buy a used boat privately?

[Rich Smith]

Hi Folks - Just wondering...if I wanted to purchase a used Coast Guard documented boat privately in the States, what is the protocol involved?

Anyone know?

Bonus question: Anyone know what would be involved to bring said boat into Canada permanently?

Thanks all!
Rich.

[ssichler]

You can use a title service specializing in Marine or if it's a simple transaction where the person your buying from holds the title you might just find the right forms on the coast guard site and do it yourself.

I sold my coast guard registered boat through a broker and buyer used a title service. It was pretty straightforward.

[Ron]

I'm not sure if I understand the question, but I purchased my boat from an individual and we simply exchanged money and he delivered to me both the boat and title. On the title he signed it and I signed it. Additionally, we had a hand-written receipt with the price paid for tax purposes but I don't remember if when I registered and transferred the title if anybody looked at the receipt.

[aya16]

dont tell anyone

[ralphk]

I bought my '97 Mac in Myrtle beach and hauled it to Ontario three years ago.

Process was as exactly as Ron describes.
Money exchanges, title transfers ... baadda boom bada binnngggg.

We paid GST at the border for sure and likely Provincial Sales Tax.
Customs officer was great. He knew more about the Mac than I did and would have chatted half the day. I guess it was more interesting to him than stopping the usual shlepps with an extra bottle of booze or carton of smokes.

NO DUTY - Mac is manufactured in the USA and qualifies for free trade. Although there was a separate title for the Japaneese built outboard, he deemed the boat & motor as a single American unit.

Registration in Canada is Federal - minimal fee to Transport Canada and takes about an hour.
The most agravating step was registering the darn trailer provincially.
The Mac Trailer should have been preapproved but, there was an error transferring the serial number. For months I received notices to have the trailer inspected & certified as if it was a one of kind custom job.
This took 3 months and about 5 phone calls to get blessed.

Ralph K.
Hakuna Matata '97X

PS I am very envious of current $$ exchange rates compared to what I paid in 2003.
Of course it depends what side of border you anchor on

[ssichler]

A coast guard registered vessel is different than one registered with a state. Get the scoop here - http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/vdoc/faq.htm