How long can I keep my American Boat in Canada?

Question

I'm a Canadian and I'm planning to buy a boat in Florida. I want to keep it licensed in one place, but I will keep it in Canada about 6 months a year and Florida the other 6 months. Where do I license it? Since I'm buying in Florida, I would presume there.

Answer 1

I like Imaka's answer. However,  I would consider the taxation and permit issues(annually).  A Canadian registration may prove to be cheaper over the term of ownership.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

Interesting question.  You can register it in Canada if you want to.  Our boat was built in the US, bought in the US, but we registered it in Canada.  We spent a great deal of time in the US with it.  Because it was built in the US and registered there by the original owner, we did not have to take it out of the country once a year in order to renew our cruising permit (probably a little known piece of information).  

I don't know how it works to register a boat owned by a Canadian in the US.  I think the rules may vary by state.  In Florida if you intend to keep the boat there for more than 90 days it has to be registered there.   I think you can keep the boat in Canada until October 31 of any calendar year without having to pay taxes/duties, etc.  These links may help you.  Best of luck with it.