How to Determine and Budget the Cost of Importing a Boat into Canada

Cost of Importing a Boat into Canada

Are you looking into buying a boat from the United States and into Canada? Allow us to help you determine the cost of importing a boat into Canada with these key pointers for you.

Cost of Importing a Boat into Canada

So, how do you calculate the overall cost of importing a boat? Well, there are a few different factors that you’ll need to consider when budgeting for this, and while we can’t give you a specific amount, we can certainly let you know what will end up factoring in. 

Costs Before the Purchase of the Boat

You probably don’t want to purchase a boat that has any sort of administrative, financial, or legal baggage attached to it. This is something particularly important when you’re buying your boat abroad since the seller could count on you being unable to check for any potential claims or liens, and this could eventually create a problem when you’re crossing the border. To address this, be sure to request what is known as an abstract of title as proof of the vessel’s financial standing so that you don’t inherit any sort of debt you don’t want to have to put up with going forward with your new ownership.

Additionally, as part of this checking process, you should always hire a professional boat surveyor who can check the hull and the motor before you go forward and make an offer on the vessel. Remember to factor this in as part of the overall cost of importing a boat into Canada for the sake of your peace of mind.

Costs After the Purchase

Now, once you have completed the purchase, it will be time for you to consider that the cost of importing a boat into Canada includes the overall arrangement for the insurance. In certain cases, your tow vehicle’s insurance can be extended to cover a boat or trailer when transporting them both back to Canada, but this is not a given in every single case. Be sure to look into this when budgeting the import process.

Remember that, at the border, when importing a boat from into Canada, you do not have to stop at United States Customs. Instead, you will have to stop at Canada Customs and declare that you are importing the vessel, stating the value and selling price of the boat. Always tell the truth when asked questions, but know you don’t have to give any details they’re not asking for. Once you’re in, it will be time to file for documentation with Transport Canada.

Cost of Importing a Boat into Canada
File For Your Documentation

Transport Canada documentation, like with any sort of bureaucratic process, will require a lot of different components, involving paperwork, applications, forms, and similar factors that will call for a lot of time and effort on your part. Because of this, we’ve made it so that it’s all much easier for you here at the National Vessel Registry Center. With the help of our team and platform, you will no longer have to struggle through piles of paperwork to get your boat documentation in order. Now, your vessel legislation, pleasure craft licence, and all other relevant documents can be processed right here without issue. Be sure to reach out to our team if you need help and we’ll gladly assist you as needed.