Most US boaters are probably now aware that returning after a cruise in
Canadian waters will be far more complicated than in previous years.

I just received a communication from a boater who has successfully
completed the I-68 process, and here is what he reports was required:

1. He had to make a specific appointment at a US Customs office.
2. Customs required 3 passport size photos, additionally demanding that
the photos be high resolution and printed on a high-quality photo
paper.
3. Original (no photocopies) current vessel documentation and state
registration. Undocumented vessels will be allowed to present only a
current state registration.
4. Passports for each family member
5. $16 per person (maximum of $32 per family) in the exact amount of
cash or a check. (No credit cards. "Family members" are restricted to
husband and wife, children under 21 years of age, or
the parents of the husband and/or wife.

The I-68 form states it is intended for use "Only for vessels under
5 tons", but it is being pressed into service by Customs this year as
there is no form that has been developed for the new requirements
pertaining to larger vessels.

Only with an I-68 or a NEXUS clearance will a boater be able to "check
in" by telephone when returning to the US. Boaters without I-68 or
NEXUS status will be required to report at a US Customs port of entry
for examination. At that port of entry, boaters will be required to
prove, "to the satisfaction of the Customs Officer", the citzenship and
residence status of all persons aboard the boat. This will effectively
require a passport, despite any rumors that "Bush did away with the
passports for Canada thing." Passports are not officially required, but
you're just rolling the dice whether your examining Customs Officer
will accept anything less as satisfactory.