What do I need to know about buying a boat from the US (privately- not new)????

Sure seems like you can get a whole lot more bang for your buck if you make the trip across the boarder and lug one back up here.

....your thoughts and experiences on this?

As far as the legality issues go, Customs (CBSA) can tell you what is required. Might even be on line by now. There is some paperwork involved, and provided you attend to that prior to making the border, it is usually clear sailing. Ironically if the boat comes with a trailer, that is the most scrutinized part of the package. They normally require inspection within a time limit after entering our country. You pay taxes at the point of entry. No duties if the boat is made in the U.S.

Suggest you go to CBSA first, as all things in Govmint' can change without warning.

yup its really very easy but could be a nightmare if you don't have your paperwork in order. I think it is the registar of imported vehicles that will give you all the info you need: http://www.riv.ca/importingavehicle.aspx

Just call and ask them for a check list of whats required - basically is a bill of sale, proof of payment and maybe proof that there isn't a lien on it.

A-1 is right about the trailer, I had a horrible time getting my trailer certified - finally did it but it took some gymnastics.

Oh and pay a boat surveyor to do a detailed survey of the vessel before you make a deal. It will cost under $200 and a good surveyor will outline every little problem so you know what you're getting into.

I regret not taking a trailer down with me to pick up our boat instead of buying the one from across the line.

It's not a huge issue but a pain in the butt nonetheless.

I don't know if it's still the same but Canadian Tire had sole rights to do the inspection. $200 to look at the nameplate on the trailer and say "YUP", you're good to go.

Can you do that? Just take your own trailer down and get a boat and come back no problems?

You can get a used boat for $2000 with a good trailer and just pull the boat off it and sell that back to used vic for $200-300 and keep the trailer.

hint hint I'm selling my boat with a good road runner trailer under it. I've only had 1 person look at it. I'm really starting to think I should just buy a beater truck so I can take it fishing myself.

The entire process is very easy. I brought a Grady back a couple of years ago and was shocked at how easy it is. There are several web sites on "how to import a boat from the US". Great check lists. Mine came from New York state so I hired a surveyer ($150) and a mechanic ($100) from down there to go look at the rig first. Well worth the money.

At the border they just took the paper-work and my money. Nobody came out to look at the boat.

I imported my boat last year. Here is a bit of my experience.

If it is a private sale(ie; ebay, craigslist etc.) it's a very good idea to bring along all dialogue between you and seller (emails) bring pictures of the boat etc.

The only hiccup I had was right off the bat. If you're bringing cash, more than $10,000 as I was, you must have paperwork from the Canadian guys before entering the states, basically Canada wants to know why this amount of money is being taken out of Canada, and the American's want to know why you are bringing this amount of money into the US. This is where I screwed up, I didn't have the paperwork from the Canadian guys. Long story short, the Americans took me inside, took my money and me in a back room, interogated me a little, this is where the dialog, pictures, emails etc. came in handy, counted my money and eventually (after I just about crapped my pants) gave me my money back and sent me on my way with a stern warning of what I should do next time!

Run the VIN# of the trailer with RIV before going down there to ensure you can bring the trailer back across. The trailer is what matters, they didn't even look at my boat.

Every state is different, and insurance can get tricky, if you are crossing more than one state, check to make sure you are insured. I bought binder insurance(locally) before I went down there just to be safe.

This website http://boating.ncf.ca/buy-usa.html was very helpful and answered most of my questions.

Good Luck, you'll save a pile of money if you do your homework. I saved several thousand on an aluminum boat made right here in BC, re-branded and sold to the states for thousands less(kind of sad really)!!