Introduction To Boating In Canada
With more than 4,500 miles of coastline, boating in Canada offers seemingly endless possibilities to enjoy your time on the water. While summer is the favorite season for splashing your hull, boating in late spring and early fall can also have their appeal. Some cruising boat owners even travel east through the Great Lakes, around the coast of Maine, and into the Atlantic Ocean once the weather begins to show signs of turning colder. They will head south to Florida or the Bahamas for the winter – an amazing adventure!
Whether you are an experienced boat owner or just now beginning to research purchasing your first boat or yacht, Marine360 offers the very best brands in the world that range from 22 to more than 80-feet in length. We have two locations in Québec and Ontario, both with friendly, knowledgeable experts on staff to help you review your options and help guide you to the right boat for your needs. We also offer boat storage, service, professional brokerage services, and even a new Yacht Sharing program!
Below are some commonly asked questions about boating in Canada, but we invite you to contact us today to have a conversation about your boating plans. Whether looking for new or pre-owned, we have inventory available now and on-order, as well as can help with financing or even take your current boat in trade. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Do You Need A License To Drive A Boat In Canada?
- How Old Do You Have To Be To Drive A Boat In Canada?
- Do Americans Need A Boating License In Canada?
- Do You Need A Captain To Drive A Yacht In Canada?
- What’s The Best Boat For A Beginner?
- How Long Can A Boat From The U.S. Stay In Canada?
- Where Is the Best Place To Go Boating In Canada?
- Is It Better To Buy A New Boat Or Pre-Owned?
- What Does It Cost To Own A Boat In Canada?
- Can You Live On A Boat In Canada?
If you’re new to boating in Canada, in order to operate a vessel legally you will need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, or PCOC. You can acquire this by completing a boating safety course that’s been approved by the Department of Transport. This card must always be in your possession when operating your boat. Also, any boat with more than 10HP must have a valid Pleasure Craft License unless it is registered in the Canadian Register of Vessels.
While young people love to be on the water, there are age limits for safe boating that prohibit kids from operating a pleasure craft above certain horsepowers. If you are under the age of 12 and are not being supervised by someone over the age of 16, you may only operate a boat that has under 10HP. Kids over the age of 12 and not being supervised by someone over the age of 16 can only operate a vessel under 40HP. Only individuals older than 16 can operate a personal watercraft
Regardless of where visitors to Canada are from, all of the same boating regulations still apply. So yes, American tourists who want to boat must acquire either a Canadian-issued pleasure craft operator card or an equivalent operator card from their country that meets the same requirements. The Government of Canada website has the application and accredited courses.
If you have obtained your PCOC, you are allowed to operate any size boat or yacht in Canada whether it’s 20 feet or 200 feet, as long as it isn’t a commercial vessel. That doesn’t mean you should operate a boat that is too big for you and your level of experience. We advise that you discuss your experience and plans with one of our boating professionals so you can be sure to make the right, safe decisions on the water.
A good boat for a beginner is one that is safe, easy to control, not too big, and generally features outboard power. Handling your boat is much easier as a beginner with outboards, however many inboard boats today can have joystick control allowing you to move sideways for docking. Marine360 is a dealer for Axopar Boats in Québec which has several excellent entry-level models that are perfect for the beginning boater. Aquila Power Catamarans also build a 28 Molokai that has the stability and space many boaters desire and it’s relatively easy to handle.
Boats that are in Canada, can remain in the country for up to 12 months for storage or up to 18 months if it is in need of repairs. If it stays longer or no extension is granted, it may be subject to duty or taxes. If it’s staying for repair, you may be required to provide proof of work and/or storage.
Did you know that Canada is home to 20% of the world’s fresh water? The amount of boating opportunities in and around Canada are almost endless. Whether you enjoy fishing, watersports, or cruising, there is beautiful scenery almost everywhere you go. The Trent-Severn Waterway, the Muskoka Lakes, The Rideau Canal, the Chaudiere- Appalaches, and the Northumberland Strait are all excellent examples of places you can take your boat or yachtin Canada. We also invite you to read: Where To Go Boating Near Quebec.
Even experienced boat owners often wrestle with whether it’s better to buy a new boat or find a pre-owned vessel on the brokerage market. Our very best advice to you is to sit down with a professional, expert yacht broker and discuss your budget, what type of boating plans you envision, your current experience level, and a variety of other questions to help you make the right choice.
Of course, having a brand new boat has its advantages. From warranty packages, to knowing your boat has never been used, there are a lot of benefits to purchasing a new boat over a used one. Still, there are often really good opportunities on the brokerage market. Sometimes late-model boats hit the market after the owner has moved up to a larger size that still include portions of the engine, hull, and component warranties. Marine360 has access to thousands of pre-owned boats on the market today and we can help pinpoint the right choice for you and your family.
After the initial purchase price, you can expect other costs related to continual maintenance, upkeep, and other factors. When purchasing a boat from Marine360, we make sure you are fully aware of all future costs so that there are never any surprises. Ongoing costs associated with owning a boat include insurance, storage, service, parts, winterization, spring recommissioning, and new equipment. It’s often estimated that boat ownership can cost 10-20% of the boat’s value each year in expenses. Yes, boating is expensive, but the benefits and enjoyment far outweigh the financial costs.
Living on board a boat has its challenges of course, but you can be successful making the jump from living on land to the water. Of course, the most comfortable method of achieving this is buying a boat big enough and comfortable enough to cruise south for the winter, as it can be difficult to find liveaboard marinas in Canada that are open during the colder months.
Marine360 is here to be your resource for boating in Canada, whether buying, selling, or just researching for the future. From start to finish, we help you every step of the way. From launching your boat on that first warm Spring day, to routine maintenance, accessories installation, and even fiberglass repair, we offer a complete boat ownership experience. Who better than to service, maintain, and store your yacht than the company you trusted to buy it from.