How to shop and ship across the border

Story by Harris & Ellis / July 12, 2023

Author: Patricia and Grant Bowlby, Yacht Brokers Harris & Ellis Yachts

When you’re looking on the Internet for boats for sale, it can be disappointing to discover that the perfect boat for you is across the border. Don’t worry, you can still purchase a vessel outside of Canada with just a bit more due diligence. This is where a Professional Yacht Broker can be an asset.

By going through a Canadian brokerage firm, your deposit on the vessel will stay in Canada until such time as you purchase the boat or will be returned to you if the boat is not suitable.

We recommend that you also hire the services of a border broker. The border broker will handle the Customs portion of the shipping and will be able to guide you through the process of bringing the boat across the border by water or by road.

Whether you move your boat by water or by land will depend upon where the boat is located and where it is going to. Sometimes it is less costly and more time efficient to move your boat to a US port close to the Canadian border and then sail it home.

If you can’t deliver it yourself, professional Canadian captains can help move your boat by water. Marine transport companies will ship your boat by land. Some of these shipping companies have their own border broker.

Experienced yacht brokers will have a deep knowledge of this area and can help you with the contacts and logistics of both shopping across the border and bringing your new boat home.

Categories: International Network

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Testimonials

George Ayers was terrific to work with over the past few months as I evaluated, negotiated and purchased a CS 30 that Harris & Ellis Yachts had listed in Sarnia. He was patient, thorough and totally professional. I have owned nine sailboats in my 50+ years as a sailor. My experience with George and Harris & Ellis Yachts has been my best boat buying experience to date.

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George did an amazing job of selling our CS 30 sailboat. A caring and compassionate person, he went above and beyond our expectations and never stopped working on our behalf to get the job done. We are forever grateful for his dedication to his work. Please let him know how much we think of him!

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I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the outstanding service provided by Greg. Last October, my husband suddenly passed away due to a heart attack, leaving behind two boats. Greg was instrumental in helping me sell the first boat quickly and at a very good price. As for the second boat, due to my husband's declining health in his final year, the boat had been sitting idle at the dock near our home for over a year. Greg demonstrated the utmost professionalism in cleaning, maintaining, and preparing the boat for sale. He put in a tremendous amount of work, understanding the niche market for this boat, and always kept me informed of his progress without burdening me with the stress of the process. Last week, Greg successfully sold the second boat, and I am very satisfied with the price achieved. His professionalism and confidence in his work gave me a much-needed sense of security during such a difficult time.

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Thank you for all your work in facilitating the sale of our dad's boat. Jake and I really appreciate all the hard work you put into it with the many visits, paperwork, etc. A special mention has to go out to Grant for teaching me how to fold the sails!

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As first-time boat buyers and as foreigners wanting to buy a cruising catamaran in the US, we knew we needed a reliable broker that had our best interests in mind. John Heintzman was just that, and more! He was extremely committed to understanding what we were looking for, gave great advice, and guided us through the purchase process with great patience and knowledge. All in all, we felt very well taken care of.

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I feel compelled to reach out about the absolutely wonderful experience that I have had with Grant and Patricia Bowlby. I completed the purchase of a boat yesterday and I couldn’t be happier. They were so helpful, kind, and patient. This was my first experience with a broker, and I think I’ve found the best.

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I can’t thank Ewan Campbell enough for the super job he did in selling G, making up for my lack of experience in this realm and patiently searching for just the right buyer and a win-win for seller and buyer alike.

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It was a wonderful experience selling A with Jeff Cole’s expert assistance. Thank you for simplifying a complicated process. Your patience and kindness are especially appreciated.

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I just wanted to thank Jeff Cole for all his hard work. He was very professional and effective.

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