After spending around 8 hours researching this topic I have found that it is actually Illegal for a foreign flag vessel to post their boat for
sale while having a cruising
permit. The boat is still in
Canada so I advised the seller to keep it in
Canada while it is listed for sale and not to bring it to New Yorks Lake Champlain.
Permit regulations are posted here:
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/19/4.94
"
Any offer to sell or
charter (for example, a listing with yacht brokers or agents) is considered evidence that the vessel was brought in for sale or
charter to a resident or, if made within one year of entry of a vessel brought in free of duty as personal effects, that the vessel no longer is for the personal use of the non-resident.
If the vessel is
sold or chartered, or offered for sale or charter, in the circumstances described, without the owner first having filed a
consumption entry and having paid duty, the vessel may be subject to seizure or to a monetary claim equal to the value of the vessel. See Chapter 89, Additional U.S. Note 1, HTSUS, and subheadings 8903.10, 8903.91, 8903.92, 8903.99.10, 8903.99.20, and 8903.99.90, HTSUS."
more maritime laws here: in section "4.94" near the bottom of the page.
https://www.govregs.com/regulations/...rp1_section4.1
Hope this information is helpful for others wondering about
buying foreing flagged vessels that are in the US