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Old 26-09-2012, 05:10   #1
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Canadian Customs, & Boat Transport

We live in Alaska, and are getting ready to purchase a Canadian boat that's been docked in the U.S. for years. In order to get the boat home, it has to be trucked from its harbor in Southeast Alaska, through a short section of Canada, and back into Alaska.

Does anyone know the process/paperwork to do this correctly?

The boat is a 28' that has it's own custom trailer. I believe the trailer is licensed/registered in Yukon, and the boat is licensed/registered in Canada with an Official Number.

This is a private deal, so I don't have a broker to guide me.

Thanks.
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Old 26-09-2012, 06:05   #2
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Re: Canadian Customs, & Boat Transport

You have to deal with a transport company licenced to travel in Canada and they will take care of all the paperwork for you. The Canadian customs will only make sure that the boat is not imported in Canada probably by requesting the driver to remit a document at the border once leaving Canada.
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Old 26-09-2012, 07:23   #3
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Re: Canadian Customs, & Boat Transport

OK, I think you are probably picking up the boat in Southeast Alaska, then trucking it through Haines and back to Southcentral Alaska.

First step is getting the boat registered in Alaska or documented. A 28 footer can be registered with the state using a bill if sale as we have no boat titles in Alaska. If it were me thats the way I'd go. Then later you could document the boat with the USCG and it would be easier since it would be coming into their system as a state registered boat.

If you are getting the boat documented then you would be wise to hire a marine title company. There are several in the PACNW that will do this for a small (approx $200) fee.

I have personally taken two boats up the haines highway as new to me purchases. All you need is a passport. They never even asked to see my boat registration but I had it anyway as proof of ownership.

Drive safe, that is a long road and not much fun to tow a boat on.
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Old 26-09-2012, 08:01   #4
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Re: Canadian Customs, & Boat Transport

Thanks to you both for your replies.

Kevin, as winter is coming quickly here, it would be nice to get it back here sooner, rather than later.

Are there a temporary registration documents available from Alaska, so that we can get going quickly, while the official ones are being processed?

To you both, are there different rules that apply if I had a boat transport company move it? I contacted a small company that said I would need to get a transport bond from a Canadian Customs Broker in order for him to be able to transport.

Thanks.
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Old 26-09-2012, 11:10   #5
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Re: Canadian Customs, & Boat Transport

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Originally Posted by Kielanders View Post
To you both, are there different rules that apply if I had a boat transport company move it? I contacted a small company that said I would need to get a transport bond from a Canadian Customs Broker in order for him to be able to transport.

Thanks.
They are probably right.
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Old 26-09-2012, 22:57   #6
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Re: Canadian Customs, & Boat Transport

Thanks to all for the replies.

I'll post the following in case someone down the road finds this thread with the same question.

I called Transport Canada as well as Canada Border Services today.

It's amazingly easy; essentially, they just want to see a bill of sale at the border, and make sure the trailer is properly registered (didn't really seemed concerned about the boat).

The trailer should be registered either in Yukon with the former owner, or presently in Alaska with a temporary tag registered to me - either one would work.

It's also possible, though very unlikely they said, that the border agents will want an 'affidavit of transit through Canada only' document signed, a promise that neither the driver nor his truck will be staying in Canada - the fee for the document would be 1/60th the value of the load.

Very nice people up there to deal with.

I also have a call/message into U.S. Customs and Border Protection today; haven't called me back yet. I'd like to make sure I'm square on their end as well.

I'll do a follow-up here when they call.

Thanks again.
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Old 27-09-2012, 02:29   #7
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Re: Canadian Customs, & Boat Transport

Contact a US customs broker and have them deal with the import paperwork. Pay the fee, follow their instructions, hand the paperwork to the customs officer. Easy as pie.
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Old 27-09-2012, 04:41   #8
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Re: Canadian Customs, & Boat Transport

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Kielanders.
Congratulations on your new boat.
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Old 28-09-2012, 16:10   #9
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Re: Canadian Customs, & Boat Transport

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Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Kielanders.
Congratulations on your new boat.
Thanks very much, the boat's not a done deal yet, but close - thanks again.
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