|
| Need Advice on Boat Buying |
Question:
I've finally convinced myself I need a serious fishing boat this year.
Having never bought a power boat, I'm looking for some advice on buying a used boat. I'm looking to spend about 10k on a used boat, motor and trailer. I am looking for something light, low maintenance and no frills.
The type of fishing I'll be doing is inland, warm water fishing for bass, walleye and pike. Boat needs to be kid friendly. My previous boating experience is on canoes, small outboards (9.9hp) and friend's large cruisers and sailboats.
1) How do taxes work on used boats? Do I pay GST and PST? Does it matter if it's a private seller?
2) I understand I have the option to register or license a small vessel.
What's the recommended route for a 17 foot boat worth $10k?
3) Is there an equivalent to the Used Vehicle Information Package that will show me ownership history and liens if any?
4) I'm confused as heck by the operator license regs. I read somewhere it's only required for those under 16. But then I read elsewhere that everyone needs an operator license. What's the deal? Is there an exam involved? Is it difficult? Do I need to attend a course?
5) Finally, any recommendations on what to look for in an aluminum boat? Am
I going to get a better deal by buying now or should I wait for the warmer weather?
Answer:
From what I remember when I bought my used 14ft. for the lake and rivers around me here in Montreal, Quebec:
1) Bought mine privately and went to the DMV to transfer trailer ownership and get new plates. Don't recall paying anything against the sale, just registration & plate costs.
2) I believe licensing is more for commercial use and pleasure craft just need to be registered if they have a motor above 9.9HP. This was free in
'96. Send in the boats VIN that came with it when the boat was first purchased. Otherwise get it off the boat and send it with a copy of your sale agreement with the person you bought it from.
3) Don’t know
4) Everyone must now have a boater’s operators license (something like that).
Under 16 limits the horsepower and/or they must be with an adult? You need
to pass a boating proficiency exam . You can take boating lessons to
acquire the knowledge or buy the handbook for a fee , study it and try tp
pass the test (for a fee). Call your local marina or the Canadian Coast
guard for details.
5)I prefer aluminum boats. Should have a non skid false floor. I only
wished I had gotten a 16-17ft.
|
|
