Your Stress-free Guide to Boat Ownership Transfer in Canada

Boat Ownership Transfer

Hey there! Are you thinking about upgrading your boat? Or maybe life’s calling you to a new shore, and it’s time to say goodbye to your trusty old vessel? Much like buying a car or house, transferring boat ownership in Canada involves a handful of steps and quite a bit of paperwork. But don’t let that dampen your spirits! With the National Vessel Registry Center by your side, even the tricky process of boat ownership transfer can be smooth sailing.

So, if the vessel you’re buying is already registered or licensed, the ownership needs to be transferred to your name. Sounds complicated? We promise it doesn’t have to be! Today we’ll explore a bit more on the basics of boat ownership transfer.

The Importance of a Bill of Sale

Here’s where it all starts: writing a Bill of Sale. Picture it as a nautical contract, including the names and addresses of the buyer and seller, specifics about the boat (like make, model, and serial number), and the sale price. Having this document in the shipshape form helps avoid any rough waters with Transport Canada or other authorities.

Worried about whether the boat has been previously registered or if it has a Pleasure Craft License record? No worries! We’ll guide you through the differences between a transfer of ownership for a pleasure craft license and a boat registration.

The Transfer of Ownership Form to Chart the Transfer Path

Next up, when transferring boat ownership you need to fill out a Transfer of Ownership Form, courtesy of Transport Canada. Yes, you could opt for the old-fashioned way and mail it through the postal service, but why bother when the National Vessel Registry Center portal offers a smoother voyage? Our platform helps you sail through the process in a breeze, turning a seemingly towering wave into a gentle ripple.

Finalizing the Boat Ownership Transfer

Now, let’s say you’ve finally decided to sell your beloved yacht. It’s important to know that while exchanging money might seem enough, the purchase must be made official by filling out the application for a boat ownership transfer.

To finalize the transfer of the vessel’s Certificate of Registry, all recorded mortgages must be either canceled or transferred. You, as a new owner, must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a business that was established according to Canadian laws to be able to register the ownership of a boat in Canada.

Smooth Sailing With a Transfer of Pleasure Craft Registration and License

What’s next on the horizon? If you’re looking to transfer your vessel’s registration or your pleasure craft license, an application is your next step. Fear not! Both of these forms are readily available at Transport Canada for your convenience.

When transferring ownership of a pleasure vessel, you need to transfer the Pleasure Craft License (PCL). This allows Search & Rescue personnel to quickly identify the boat during an emergency. To ensure that Transport Canada’s official registration reflects this change in ownership, you need to submit a transfer application for the pleasure vessel license. Thankfully, you can do this effortlessly through our platform.

Boat registration, on the other hand, gives the new owner a title and allows the boat to carry a unique name and identification number. Moreover, the boat can fly the Canadian flag and be used as collateral for a marine mortgage. Typically, the registration must be transferred along with the boat if it’s being sold or given away.

The Final Touches: Payment of any Fees

Lastly, don’t forget about the fees that might come with a boat ownership transfer, such as taxes or registration fees. These need to be paid to ensure a successful transfer.

Keep in mind that the specific requirements and fees for a boat ownership transfer may vary depending on your province or territory. But don’t fret! You can find pretty much every form you need on our user-friendly portal.

Boat Ownership Transfer

Your Voyage Towards a Simple Boat Ownership Transfer

As a final thought, remember, you can find and fill out all the necessary forms for transferring boat ownership on our website at your convenience. You can even submit them here! Best of all is that our online portal is SSL secured so you can rest assured that all your information is in good hands.

Our online service lets you work on the forms whenever it suits you. The transfer of boat ownership no longer has to be a challenge. Simply complete the online form, submit your documentation, and leave the rest to us! We’ll send your papers to the right authorities, leaving you with more time to enjoy what you love. For any more inquiries about a boat ownership transfer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us through our website. Happy sailing!