US boat / Canadian waters / long-term cruising

I don't know the answers to your questions, that's the job of a lawyer.

What I do know is you could run the boat to the US, and then back into Canadian waters to avoid the tax. I think Canada gives you a 6 month cruising permit, but double check the length of time. Supposedly according to one website you have to leave by October 31st for the winter or have to pay tax, but can get an E-99 permit (meaning you're getting work done over the winter) to get around the tax according to this website:

boating.ncf.ca/canadaborder.html

However, my recommendation is to contact a Canadian maritime attorney.

From what I have seen an E-99 permit is the way many people go. My boating club is in Canada, but most of the members boats are registered in the US and owners, US citizens. Most of the boats, 100+/- per year get E-99's so the boats can stay in Canada for the winter. The club marina does work on them anyway in the off season, so it makes it simple. The club even arranges for customs agents to come down one day so that everyone can file their E-99.

That's precisely what foreign flagged vessels do in South Florida every year.....go to the Bahamas for a week or two, come back and renew their 1 year U.S. cruising permit.

A US boat can cruise/moor up to a year in BC. Then you need to re-enter the US. No BC tax is due. There is no limit on how many times you can do this. Just tell customs how long you plan on staying in Canada (< 1 year) when entering and display the control number in a window. Once you enter the US, if you stay more than 60 days in WA, you may be subject to WA use tax (9%) if you are not a WA resident. If you are a WA resident, sales/use tax is due immediately on purchase or entry.

No we don't. Capt J gave you that resolution in post #3, "However, my recommendation is to contact a Canadian maritime attorney." Don't forget that step. Rules and interpretations change all the time. The answers you get here are going to be generally correct, but you need specifics based on your exact boat and exact situation and your residency and all other factors. I believe you have your answer from here but advise you not to overlook the need to have it confirmed or adjusted by an attorney knowledgeable in the legal specifics and able to ask you all the right questions. A one hour consultation may be money very well spent.

we have 2 US citizens with US boats in the marina, they just leave once a year with the boat, clear back into the US and then return, no taxes no hassles. They also travel back and forth via ferry and vehicles as regular tourists, no problems. I think tje biggest issue may be keeping the boat out of the US more than one year prior to returning, may capture US taxes. I have always consulted the customs service as to current law and be sure to have all your questions in order first.

Also customs in one port in Canada, may very well interpret and enforce the law differently than customs in a different port in Canada.