If you are an Ontario resident and you are looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy the great outdoors, you may want to look closely at owning a boat. For one, a boat of your own allows you to spend your leisure hours out on the water, laughing and making memories with your friends and loved ones. For another, there are not too many better places on Earth to boat than the province of Ontario, Canada. The reason for this is simple: Ontario is home to more than 250,000 lakes. That staggering number means that Ontario accounts for nearly one-fifth of the entire world’s freshwater supply. If you purchase a boat of your own, you will have no shortage of options to explore. Of course, you may also be wondering how to get ownership of a boat in Ontario, which makes sense, since it is a considerable investment for anyone to make. Read on to learn more.
Whether you have long dreamt of owning a boat of your own, or it is a somewhat recent idea, there is a general process that you will want to follow. First, you are going to want to perform a fair amount of due diligence. This can mean scouring the web as you get to know the various makes and models available for purchase. As you will quickly learn, boats come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and as such, wildly varying price tags as well. If you find yourself with a case of sticker shock, you may want to check out Canada’s thriving secondary market. With a little looking, you can potentially grab a great deal on a well-maintained, previously-owned boat. Once you have located a seller and negotiated the price, money can change hands and you can find yourself holding the keys to your new vessel. There may, however, be some paperwork to complete, and that is where we can help.
How to Get Ownership for a Boat in Ontario: The Basics
When you buy a boat, you will likely need to submit some forms to Transport Canada. Specifically, you will need to complete a pleasure craft license (PCL) form or an application for vessel registration. PCLs, as the name would suggest, cover most leisure craft, but in particular, they apply to any motorized vessel with an engine of 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) or more. Vessel registrations are similar, but a little different. You will need to register your vessel if it is financed with a bank loan, or if you plan to sail internationally under the Canadian flag. Additionally, any boat that is used for commercial purposes must carry a vessel registration.
Register Your Boat Online Today
You can use our web form to apply for a PCL or vessel registration online. To learn more, take a few minutes to explore our website, or visit our helpful Frequently Asked Questions page.
