CBP Determination of Boat Lenghth

[Dusty Bilges]

I have Carver 300 Sedan which before 1993 was called the "Carver 2828" so buyers wouldn't have to pay the luxury tax on yachts 30 feet and over up until 1993.
Please see attached.
I run this boat on a lake on the Canadian border. Customs and Border Protection ["CBP"] require a decal and annual fee for boats 30 feet and over, but provide no literature as to what constitutes a 30 foot boat. I write in hopes that someone else has ran into this.

[Midnightsun]

When I had a 28 boat I never required the decal even though the overall length was over 30'. My buddy had a Doral 30 and he did need one. I am also located on the Canadian side of the river so yes similar. I would not bother with it and simply play dumb if questioned stating the boat is a 2828 command bridge and did not know they measured the boat if that is the case that is.

[km1125]

What's the state title say? That's what I'd go after. Usually they're pretty specific about how the boat is measured. In our state it is "hull length less any "appurtenances", which means tacked-on bow pulpits or swim platforms. If the bow pulpit and/or swim platform are molded into the hull, then they count that length.

[Craig_B]

I've boated in Canada almost my whole life and never heard of such a thing.
Is this a border issue?

[Midnightsun]

Yes, border stuff. When you enter the states you must have a decal if the boat is over 30' long. Not a big deal or very expensive as renewal is done through the net and a reminder is sent. Believe it costs like $30 a year.

See here https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/uftd-info

[km1125]

It's basically a "tax stamp". Small aircraft have to have them too (or something similar). You are supposed to have one and the "logic" was that it pays for the field inspection if CBP needs/wants to come out and inspect your boat upon returning to the USA. I also heard if you don't have one they give you the "option" to purchase one from them if they come out to inspect and you don't already have one.

But they are inexpensive and if you regularly cross the border then I would recommend just getting it if your boat requires it.

[km1125]

QR_BBPOST I've boated in Canada almost my whole life and never heard of such a thing.
Is this a border issue?

I believe this is just for USA boats that travel to Canada and return to the USA (actually, it's any other country, not just Canada, but there are probably 1000x as many pleasure boats that go to Canada and return than any other country)

[Midnightsun]

QR_BBPOST

QR_BBPOST I've boated in Canada almost my whole life and never heard of such a thing.
Is this a border issue?

I believe this is just for USA boats that travel to Canada and return to the USA (actually, it's any other country, not just Canada, but there are probably 1000x as many pleasure boats that go to Canada and return than any other country)

Not sure if USA boats need them however Canadian boats do for sure.

[km1125]

QR_BBPOST

QR_BBPOST

QR_BBPOST I've boated in Canada almost my whole life and never heard of such a thing.
Is this a border issue?

I believe this is just for USA boats that travel to Canada and return to the USA (actually, it's any other country, not just Canada, but there are probably 1000x as many pleasure boats that go to Canada and return than any other country)

Not sure if USA boats need them however Canadian boats do for sure.

But only if you're landing at a USA port. If you're "boating in Canada your whole life", then you may never have a need for one, right?

[Midnightsun]

But only if you're landing at a USA port. If you're "boating in Canada your whole life", then you may never have a need for one, right?

Yep.