Selling a Boat to Canada?

I sold an 08 Puma to a fine gentleman and his son from Halifax, Nova Scotia. He turned out to be a retired Canadian Mountie. A couple of things: depending on how long you might have to wait for them to pick up the boat , you might want to ask for token earnest money. I asked for this and guaranteed that if the boat was not as advertised the deal would be off and wed go about our business. They had no problem with that. Secondly, my bank (known for being conservative) recommended against the bank to bank transfer. Their rationale was that in order to make this happen certain information would have to made availabe to his bank through him or someone at the bank. This info could be used by anyone to access you bank account. They also indicated that they would not be responsible for such a transfer. Canada has certain rules about the amount of currency that you can cross into the U.S. with, $10,000 limit I believe. He wired me the amount I was asking over the 10K and brought 10K with him in travelers checks. My bank verified the travelers checks free of charge before we consumated the deal.I admit this is cumbersome, but as you said, you cant be too careful. Your bank might have a different opinion, but remember once that rig crosses the border into Canada your chances of correcting a mistake are very limited.Since he is the one that is a Canadian and will have to cross the border going home Id let him be the one to make sure all the paper work is accurate in terms of bill of sale, title transfer etc.

You do not need to be any more careful with these sales than you would be with those in the states. I have sold 3 of my Cats in Canada and arranged 4 or 5 other sales. Admittedly I knew the buyers and all the paper work was ready to go when crossing the border. The buyer will need to spend some time at the customs office to finish the paperwork and pay the necessary duty. Generally no more than an hour is needed. I purchased a used car from a dealer in Dryden and the paper work at the US customs was about the same. The Canadian dealer knew me and knew what was needed and it was easy. I would be glad to answer any questions you might have. All of the $ amounts have been way more than 10K and that has not been an issue at my bank or the buyers bank. Cars and boats are bought and sold both ways across the border all the time.