"Don White" wrote in message
...
Lord thunderin' Jesus......
what a hassle over a $500.00 used boat trailer.
After having two inspections done... one federal and the other
provincial.. and the form being faxed four times to the Registar of
Imported Vehicles....
I received a letter today threatening me with a $2K fine and six months in
jail if I didn't send the trailer back to the US.

problems...
..the original form had a 'best before date ' of Oct 19 and by the time
the 3rd & 4th copies were faxed... the due date was passed
..The mechanic put some kind of secret code to represent the date he did
the inspection.. not deciphrable by me or the gov't people
..mechanic didn't tick boxes or add info that referred to lights, tire
manufacturer, tire type max load rating or inflation pressure
This will be my 4th visit to the garage and the 5th fax sent.
#$$%%$^$%# gov't crap.
They could have at least told me the problems instead of just saying they
didn't have the form. Hell, I would have had it re-tested at another
Canadian Tire store.
Don't even ask me how hard it is to reach them by phone...............

So what did you do wrong? Me, I have 2 cars behind me now and not a single
unanticipated issue. In fact a friend is driving back with a Florida garage
kept BMW right now.

Me, went to local dealer, he quoted $38K for a 1 year old boat that he
states only has 2 hours on it. I can get a 2008 never been used for $22K
US. Going to see in January when GST drops, if I don't get too tempted to
do it sooner.

For boats, it is simple:

1) Do your research. For example make sure the boat manufacturer will
supply the Canadian coast guard tag. Maxim for example, $71 US to get it.
Another is if the motor is made in Japan, add 6.1% (duty) to your cost
calculations. Or alternatively you have to get some kind of marine
certification. But if a Merc made in Wisconsin, no duty. Almost every boat
is US/Can/MX made, but check anyway.

2) You have to buy it outright to get clear ownership. Get separate
receipts for motor, boat and trailer. Make sure it adds the same as your
total bill of sale.

3) Go to the border, pay the RIV the $209 or whatever. Pay GST (and PST if
your in a province that has it). In Alberta there is also a day in transit
license of $24.95 or something until you get real plates.

4) Get the trailer inspected, I shouldn't have much issues here as it is new
and identical to Canadian versions.

5) Get plates, get the numbers for the hull and go fishing. (in the spring
of course).

My guess though is at $500 you got something that is not seaworthy, a
trailer with bald tires and a severely rusted frame. Useful for parts at
best. Probably late with the paperwork too.

And as most boaters know, better to buy a good motor as no manufacturer
comes out to the lake to fix it.