http://www.stevetheyachtguy.com/

Steve The Yacht Guy, Miramichi, NB (2025)

10/11/2025

Prince Edward Island isn't just Canada's smallest province: it's also one of its most rewarding cruising destinations. With over 1,000 kilometers of coastline, 23 stunning beaches, and no point more than 16 kilometers from water, PEI offers boaters an incredible mix of protected waters, charming harbours, and world-class seafood. Whether you're island-hopping through the Gulf of St. Lawrence or looking for a perfect Maritime base, PEI delivers.
Understanding PEI Waters: Tides and Currents
PEI sits in relatively gentle tidal waters compared to the Bay of Fundy, but don't get complacent. Tidal ranges around the island typically run 1-3 meters (3-10 feet), with the strongest currents occurring in the narrow passages between PEI and the mainland.
Northumberland Strait (south side) sees moderate tidal flows, making it ideal for newer cruisers. The Confederation Bridge area experiences stronger currents due to the constricted channel: time your passages here carefully.
On the north shore, facing the Gulf of St. Lawrence, expect more dynamic conditions with occasional wind-against-tide situations that can kick up steep, uncomfortable seas. Always check current conditions before heading out.

Entry Points and Key Harbours
Charlottetown - The Capital Connection
Charlottetown Harbour remains PEI's premier cruising hub. The approach is straightforward via Hillsborough Bay, with good depths and clear navigation aids. Charlottetown Marina handles vessels up to 60 feet LOA with excellent facilities right downtown.
Pro tip: Book ahead during festival season (July-September). The marina fills up fast when cruise ships are in port.
Summerside - West Coast Gateway
Summerside Harbour offers excellent protection and serves as your gateway to Malpeque Bay and the famous oyster beds. The town wharf provides transient berths, and you're walking distance to restaurants and provisions.
Souris - East Coast Explorer
Souris Marina gives you access to PEI's wilder east coast and serves as a jumping-off point for the Magdalen Islands. The harbour is well-protected, though the entrance can get lumpy in strong easterlies.
Best Marinas and Facilities
Premium Facilities
Charlottetown Marina: Full-service downtown marina, 60+ berths, power, water, pump-out, fuel
Summerside Marina: Protected harbour, transient berths, marine services nearby
Montague Marina: Scenic riverside location, good facilities, excellent seafood restaurants walking distance
Community Harbours Worth Visiting
Victoria Park Harbour: Small but charming, great local atmosphere
Stanley Bridge: Picture-perfect fishing village feel
Rustico Bay: Multiple options, famous for deep-sea fishing charters
Cardigan: Quiet gem with good holding and friendly locals

Safe Anchorages and Hidden Gems
Malpeque Bay System
This is PEI's cruising playground. Malpeque Bay itself offers dozens of protected anchorages among small islands and coves. The water stays calm even when it's blowing outside, and the oyster bars here are legendary.
Local secret: Anchor near Cavendish Beach on the north side for stunning sunset views and easy dinghy access to Anne of Green Gables country.
Cardigan Bay and Brudenell River
Cardigan Bay connects to several rivers offering perfect gunkhol cruising. The Brudenell River winds through farmland with excellent holding and zero boat traffic. You'll feel like you have your own private cruising ground.
Murray River
Often overlooked, the Murray River system provides calm, scenic cruising with numerous small islands. Perfect for kayak exploration and wildlife watching.
Marine Services and Provisioning
Fuel and Water
Charlottetown: Multiple fuel docks, most convenient downtown
Summerside: Fuel dock at marina, competitive pricing
Souris: Limited fuel options, call ahead
Montague: Fuel available, check hours seasonally
Marine Services
Charlottetown offers the most comprehensive marine services: engine repairs, electronics, rigging work. MacPhee Marine and PEI Marine handle most needs.
For provisioning, Charlottetown and Summerside have full grocery stores within walking distance of marinas. Smaller harbours often have general stores with basics, but stock up on essentials in the larger towns.

Weather Patterns and Seasonal Considerations
Summer Cruising (June-August)
Expect southwest winds 10-15 knots most days, perfect for exploring. Fog can roll in quickly from the Gulf, especially early morning and evening. The Confederation Bridge often disappears in fog: use radar and navigate carefully.
Water temperatures reach 18-22°C (64-72°F) by mid-summer, making swimming actually pleasant.
Shoulder Seasons
May and September offer excellent cruising with fewer crowds. September brings the Fall Flavours Festival: book marina space early. October can be spectacular but watch for increased storm activity.
Wind Patterns by Region
North Shore: More exposed to Gulf weather, stronger winds possible
South Shore (Northumberland Strait): Generally calmer, protected from Gulf storms
West Coast: Can be windy but multiple harbours for shelter
Dining and Shore Activities for Boaters
Must-Try Seafood Spots
Blue Mussel Cafe (North Rustico): Famous mussels, walking distance from harbour
Pearl Eatery (Charlottetown): Upscale seafood, short taxi from marina
Claddagh Oyster House (Charlottetown): Best oyster selection on the island
New Glasgow Lobster Suppers: Tourist trap but legitimately great lobster
Local Brews and Pubs
PEI Brewing Company (Charlottetown) offers tours and great pub food. Gahan House serves excellent craft beer with harbour views. Many marinas are walking distance to local pubs: ask dock staff for recommendations.

Wildlife Encounters
Seals are common throughout PEI waters: curious and playful around anchored boats. Harbour porpoises frequent the straits, and minke whales appear regularly in deeper waters off the north shore.
Bird life is spectacular. Great blue herons stalk the shallows, ospreys nest on channel markers, and bald eagles soar overhead. The red cliffs host thousands of cormorants and other seabirds.
Beach exploration reveals sand dollars, sea glass, and famously red sand perfect for photos.
Navigation Hazards and Local Rules
Key Hazards
Shallow areas throughout bay systems: chart carefully and watch your depth sounder
Lobster gear from May through July: especially thick in traditional fishing areas
Strong currents near bridges and narrow passages
Fog can develop rapidly, reducing visibility to near-zero
Special Regulations
Marine Protected Areas: Respect fishing boundaries and seasonal closures
Shellfish harvesting: Requires licenses: check with local authorities
Speed limits in harbours and near swimming areas
Anchorage restrictions near ferry routes and commercial fishing areas
Practical Cruising Tips
Best cruising loop: Start in Charlottetown, explore Malpeque Bay system, visit Summerside, then work your way around to Souris via the protected south shore.
Provisioning strategy: Stock up in Charlottetown or Summerside before heading to smaller harbours. Fuel availability decreases significantly in remote areas.
Communication: VHF coverage is excellent around populated areas but can fade in remote anchorages. Cell coverage is surprisingly good throughout most of the island.
Timing: Allow extra time for everything: PEI operates on "island time" and the pace is deliberately slower.

Prince Edward Island offers some of the most relaxed, scenic cruising in Atlantic Canada. The combination of protected waters, excellent facilities, world-class seafood, and genuine Maritime hospitality makes it perfect for both weekend getaways and extended cruising adventures. Whether you're seeking busy harbours or quiet anchorages, PEI delivers an authentic Maritime experience that'll keep you coming back season after season.

Important Safety Disclaimer: This guide provides general information for trip planning purposes only. Always consult official government sources for current navigation information, weather conditions, and safety requirements before departing. Check the latest Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) charts and tide tables, Transport Canada boating regulations, and local marina/harbour authorities for up-to-date conditions and requirements. Weather and water conditions can change rapidly: monitor marine forecasts and be prepared to alter plans accordingly.
Official Resources:
Canadian Hydrographic Service - Tide Tables
Transport Canada - Boating Safety
Environment Canada - Marine Weather

10/10/2025

Meet Shangri-La — a 24.01 m (≈ 78’8”) Ferretti 780, delivered in 2020, that fuses Italian design with high performance and sophistication.
With naval architecture by Ferretti and styling by Zuccon International, she’s built to turn heads — and deliver on comfort, speed, and seafaring capability.

Specs:
LOA / Length - 24.01 m
Beam - 5.77m
Draft - 1.94m
Gross Tonnes - 120 GT
Hull / Superstructure - GRP (Fiberglass)
Year Built - 2020
Builder - Ferretti Yachts
Designer/ Naval Architect - Zuccon International / Ferretti
Guests - up to 8
Cabin - 4
Crew - 3-4
Max Speed - 31 knots
Cruising Speed - 27 knots
Range - 280 nautical meters
Fuel Capacity - 5,000 L

✨ Features & Highlights
• Sleek & Modern Styling — Interiors and
exteriors by Zuccon reflect contemporary
lines and high-end finishes.
• Performance-Oriented — With twin MAN
engines, she has juicy speed while
maintaining stability and seakeeping.
• Luxurious Guest Areas — Four cabins laid
out thoughtfully for both privacy and
comfort.
• Spacious Decks — Great for entertaining,
sunbathing, relaxing, and making the most
of the sea air.
• Crew Efficiency — Designed for ease in
operation and maintenance, with crew
quarters and handling systems.
• Well Maintained / Contemporary Build —
Being a 2020 model, much of the tech and
systems are still relatively up-to-date.

Main Deck Lounge-
• Large glazed surfaces/windows for
panoramic views.
• Freestanding L-shaped sofa, high-end
designer coffee table (e.g. Living Divani).
• A 65-inch flat screen TV.
• Sliding / glass partitions, electric window
blinds.
• Custom lighting: adjustable spotlights, light
cylinders, ambient lighting throughout.

Cabin & sleeping layout:
• Full-beam master stateroom amidships, lots
of natural light through large windows.
• VIP cabin forward, double bed or island bed
plus ample wardrobe/storage.
• Guest cabins with twin beds which, in some
cabins, can be joined to create a double.
• Each guest cabin has its own en-suite
bathroom.

Bathrooms & finishes:
• Elegant surfaces: marble tops (Silk
Georgette marble mentioned), mirror
details.
• Large showers, walk-in closets or dressing
areas in master suite.

Outdoor / exterior highlights:
• Beach club / stern platform: rear door (two
sections) that can lower to water level, sun-
pads inside the lowered door, storage in hull
sides (for tenders or Seabob etc.).
• Forward bow lounge: U-shaped sofa, large
sun pad, great entertaining / lounging area.
• Flybridge: flexible furniture layout, sun
loungers, bar unit, sheltered dining,
sometimes with a hard top (Elena black)
with glass inserts or sliding/open panels.

Technology, navigation & comfort systems:
• Integrated helm/navigation with multi-
screen touch monitors.
• Advanced sound system (hidden /
integrated).
• Electric blinds / roll blinds in guest cabins
for privacy.

Optional systems like:
• Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) so the
yacht can hold position automatically.
•Joystick docking mode for maneuvering in
tight spaces.
• Stabilizers: e.g. Seakeeper NG16, or
Humphrey fins, for comfort while at anchor
or underway.

This Ferretti 780 blends luxury, performance, and timeless Italian design — a true balance of comfort and class on the water. Whether you’re looking for your next family cruiser or a yacht that makes a statement wherever she docks, Shangri-La delivers on every level.

📞 For more information or to schedule a private or virtual showing, feel free to DM me or call/text 479-351-3457. Serious inquiries only, please — we’ll be happy to walk you through all the details, specs, and viewing options.

10/10/2025

Navigating New Brunswick: Tides, Currents, and Top Marinas for Cruisers

New Brunswick waters offer some of the most spectacular: and challenging: cruising in North America. With the world's highest tides in the Bay of Fundy and complex current systems throughout the province, successful navigation here requires local knowledge, careful planning, and respect for Mother Nature's power.
After decades of helping boaters navigate these waters, I've learned that understanding tides and currents isn't just helpful: it's absolutely essential for safe passage. Let me share the insider knowledge that'll keep you moving efficiently and safely through NB's magnificent but demanding waters.
The Bay of Fundy: Where Tides Rule Everything
The numbers are staggering: Saint John regularly sees tidal ranges exceeding 25 feet, while Passamaquoddy Bay can hit 28 feet. That's literally the height of a three-story building worth of water moving in and out every six hours.

These extreme tides create powerful currents that can make or break your passage. In the main Bay of Fundy, expect currents of 2+ knots regularly, with some areas around Cape Sable hitting 4+ knots. For most displacement cruisers running at 7-8 knots, that's the difference between making good time at 11 knots or crawling along at 4 knots.
Critical Timing for Fundy Passages
Here's the local knowledge that'll save you hours:
Yarmouth to Cape Sable (heading east):
Depart Yarmouth 2 hours before high water Saint John
This gives you fair current all the way around Cape Sable to Baccaro Point
Typical passage time: 6-8 hours with favorable conditions
Returning west around Cape Sable:
Position yourself at Baccaro Point 3 hours before low water Saint John
Ride the ebb tide around Cape Sable back to Yarmouth
Don't fight this current: it's brutally strong
Saint John River: The Crown Jewel
The Saint John River system is hands-down the best cruising in New Brunswick. Flowing from northern NB through Fredericton to Saint John city, this river offers protected waters, stunning scenery, and excellent facilities.
What makes it special:
Tidal influence extends inland past Fredericton
Beautiful farm country and small-town stops
Multiple side rivers and lakes to explore
Well-protected from ocean swells and weather
Saint John River Navigation Tips
Tidal considerations:
Plan arrivals at marinas for mid-tide or higher to avoid grounding
Some upstream sections have reversing currents: use them to your advantage
Slack water typically occurs 1 hour before and after tide changes

Top Marinas in New Brunswick
After years of helping clients find the best stops, these are my go-to recommendations for visiting yachts:
Saint John Area
Millidgeville Island Marina
Protected basin with excellent breakwater protection
Full services: fuel, pump-out, electrical hookups
Walking distance to uptown Saint John
Insider tip: Call ahead during Cruise Ship season (July-October)
Public Landing Marina (Fredericton)
Right in downtown Fredericton's heart
Floating docks accommodate tidal range easily
Walking distance to restaurants, shopping, historic sites
Best feature: Free WiFi and clean facilities
Miramichi Region
Newcastle Marina
Excellent salmon fishing right from the docks
Sheltered from prevailing winds
Local knowledge available from friendly staff
Don't miss: The salmon pools upstream are world-class
Chatham Marina
Deep water access at all tides
Full repair services available
Close to town amenities
Pro tip: Great jumping-off point for exploring Miramichi Bay
Passamaquoddy Bay Area
St. Andrews Marina
Premium location in historic St. Andrews
Well-maintained floating docks
Walking distance to Algonquin Resort and town
Local knowledge: Staff knows the tricky currents in Passamaquoddy Bay

Current Patterns You Need to Know
Fundy Currents:
Flood tide sets northeast along the NB coast
Ebb tide sets southwest toward Maine
Strongest currents occur 2-3 hours after tide change
Slack water lasts only 15-20 minutes in most areas
River Current Interactions:
Saint John River flow opposes incoming tides
Creates slack water conditions 1 hour before high tide
Combined flow on ebb tide can exceed 3 knots downstream
Weather and Fog Considerations
New Brunswick's maritime climate creates unique challenges:
Fog patterns:
Most common June through September
Forms when warm Gulf Stream air hits cold Fundy water
Visibility can drop to zero in minutes
GPS and radar are essential: don't rely on visual navigation alone
Wind considerations:
Southwest winds create steep, short seas against ebb tides
Northeast winds can make Fundy passages uncomfortable
Protected waters of rivers and bays offer refuge

Essential Navigation Tools
Must-have resources:
Canadian Hydrographic Service Tide and Current Tables
Current atlases showing hourly flow patterns
Local knowledge from marina operators and fishermen
Real-time weather updates (conditions change rapidly)
Technology recommendations:
Chart plotter with Canadian charts loaded
AIS transponder for commercial traffic awareness
VHF radio programmed with local marine channels
Backup GPS unit (electronics can fail when you need them most)
Planning Your New Brunswick Adventure
Best cruising season: June through September
Water temperatures comfortable for swimming
Longest daylight hours for navigation
Most marinas fully operational
Peak season: July-August (book ahead!)
Fuel planning:
Top off tanks at every opportunity
Distances between fuel stops can be significant
Carry jerry cans for extended cruising
Monitor consumption: currents affect fuel burn dramatically
Safety Considerations
Emergency preparedness:
File float plans with local authorities or marinas
Emergency VHF channels monitored by Coast Guard
Towing insurance highly recommended
Local emergency contacts programmed in your phone

New Brunswick rewards prepared boaters with unforgettable cruising experiences. The key is respecting the natural forces at work and using local knowledge to your advantage. These extreme tides that make navigation challenging also create some of the most dramatic and beautiful coastal scenery you'll find anywhere.
Ready to explore New Brunswick's incredible waters? Contact me directly for personalized cruising advice, marina recommendations, and insider tips that'll make your Maritime adventure unforgettable. I've been helping boaters navigate these waters safely for years: let that experience work for you.
Next up in this series: We'll dive deep into Prince Edward Island's protected waters and hidden gems. Follow my business page for the complete Maritime cruising guide series, exclusive to Steve the Yacht Guy followers.
“Always check the latest official Canadian tide and current tables, and consult local marina staff before entering new harbours. Conditions can change every season. Official government information: https://www.charts.gc.ca/publications/tables-eng.html and https://www.notmar.gc.ca/index-en.php”

10/10/2025

Tides, Currents, and the Best Marina Stops: A Cruiser's Intro Guide to Atlantic Canada

Planning to cruise Atlantic Canada? You're in for an incredible adventure, but also some of the most challenging and rewarding waters in North America. From the world's highest tides in the Bay of Fundy to the dramatic coastlines of Newfoundland, these waters demand respect, preparation, and smart planning.
After years of helping boaters navigate these waters safely, I've learned that success comes down to three things: understanding the tides, respecting the currents, and choosing the right marina stops. Get these right, and you'll have the cruise of a lifetime. Get them wrong, and... well, let's just say the Atlantic doesn't give second chances.
Why Atlantic Canada's Waters Are Unlike Anywhere Else
Atlantic Canada isn't your typical coastal cruising ground. We're talking about waters where:
Tidal ranges can exceed 50 feet (yes, you read that right)
Currents regularly hit 8+ knots in narrow passages
Weather can change from calm to gale-force in hours
Fog banks roll in with little warning

The region stretches from New Brunswick's powerful Bay of Fundy tides, through Prince Edward Island's protected bays, along Nova Scotia's rugged Atlantic coast, to Newfoundland's remote and spectacular anchorages. Each province offers unique challenges and rewards: but they all share one thing: you need to time your moves with the tides.
The Tidal Reality Check
Let me put this in perspective. In most cruising grounds, you might deal with 3-6 foot tidal ranges. Here in the Maritimes, we regularly see:
Bay of Fundy: 35-50+ feet (world's highest tides)
Nova Scotia's Atlantic coast: 6-12 feet
Prince Edward Island: 6-10 feet
Newfoundland: 4-8 feet (but with powerful currents)
These aren't just numbers on a chart: they translate to massive water movement that can make or break your passage. I've seen 40-foot boats get carried sideways by the current, and marinas that are perfectly accessible at high tide become mud flats six hours later.
Current Challenges You Need to Know
The tides create currents that would surprise even experienced offshore sailors:
New Brunswick's Fundy Tides create river-like flows through passages, with some areas experiencing currents strong enough to stop most pleasure craft dead in the water.
Nova Scotia's Tidal Races around headlands and through channels can create washing machine conditions that test both boat and crew.
PEI's Strait Crossings require careful timing: hit the wrong tide window and you'll be fighting 6-knot currents sideways.
Newfoundland's Isolated Waters might seem gentler, but remote locations mean help is far away if things go wrong.

Province-by-Province: What Awaits You
New Brunswick: Fundy's Raw Power
Home to the world's most extreme tides, New Brunswick offers incredible experiences: if you time it right. Saint John's Reversing Falls literally reverses direction with the tide. Anchorages that look perfect at high water become rocky death traps at low tide.
Key challenges: Extreme tidal ranges, powerful currents, limited weather windows.
Prince Edward Island: Seafood Paradise with Hidden Currents
PEI might seem gentler, but don't be fooled. The island's position creates complex current patterns that can catch you off guard. Plus, those famous PEI mussels and lobster come with a side of shifting sandbars and shallow approaches.
Key challenges: Shallow waters, shifting channels, crossing currents.
Nova Scotia: Where Ocean Meets Fury
From the protected waters of the Bras d'Or Lakes to the exposed Atlantic coast, Nova Scotia offers everything. But weather windows are critical: this coast can go from millpond calm to survival conditions in hours.
Key challenges: Exposed anchorages, fog, rapid weather changes.
Newfoundland: Remote Beauty, Serious Commitment
The most remote and spectacular cruising in Atlantic Canada. Once you're here, you're committed: weather windows for safe passages can be days apart, and marina facilities are limited but incredibly welcoming.
Key challenges: Remote locations, limited services, weather dependency.
Marina Planning: Your Lifeline in These Waters
Here's the truth: your choice of marina stops can make or break your Atlantic Canada cruise. You're not just looking for fuel and a restaurant: you're looking for:
✅ Tidal access windows (many marinas are only accessible at certain tides)
✅ Weather protection (storms develop fast here)
✅ Local knowledge (marina operators know conditions like nowhere else)
✅ Emergency services (when things go wrong, you want help nearby)
✅ Haul-out capabilities (for those "just in case" moments)

I've seen cruisers get trapped for days because they didn't research tidal access. I've watched boats drag anchor because they didn't understand local wind patterns. And I've helped countless sailors who thought they could "wing it" without local knowledge.
The Bottom Line: Preparation Pays Off
Atlantic Canada rewards the prepared and punishes the cavalier. But for those who do their homework, these waters offer:
Unmatched natural beauty (icebergs, whales, pristine anchorages)
Incredible seafood (fresh lobster, scallops, and mussels)
Warm Maritime hospitality (friendliest people you'll ever meet)
Bragging rights (not many pleasure craft tackle these waters)
The key is having detailed, local knowledge for each province. Generic guidebooks don't cut it here: you need specific information about:
Exact tidal windows for each marina and anchorage
Local current patterns and how they interact with your boat
Weather warning signs that locals watch for
Alternative harbors when Plan A doesn't work
Emergency contacts and procedures for each area
Ready for the Full Guide Series?
This overview just scratches the surface. Each province deserves its own detailed guide covering:
📍 Best marinas with exact tidal access windows
🌊 Current predictions and timing strategies
⚓ Safe anchorages with backup options
🌤️ Weather patterns and warning signs
🛠️ Emergency resources and local contacts
🦞 Must-visit stops and hidden gems
I'm creating the most comprehensive Atlantic Canada cruising guide series ever assembled: four detailed guides, one for each province, with everything you need for safe, successful cruising.
Want the full series? Follow my business page where I'll be releasing the complete provincial guides. Each guide includes:
Detailed marina reviews with tidal access charts
Current tables and timing strategies for safe passages
Local weather pattern insights you won't find anywhere else
Emergency contact lists and backup planning
Insider tips from 20+ years of Maritime waters experience
Don't let Atlantic Canada's challenging waters intimidate you: let proper preparation turn them into the adventure of a lifetime.
Follow for the complete Atlantic Canada cruising series. Your successful cruise starts with the right information.
Next up: New Brunswick - Conquering the Bay of Fundy's Extreme Tides and Finding Safe Harbor
“Always check the latest official Canadian tide and current tables, and consult local marina staff before entering new harbours. Conditions can change every season. Official government information: https://www.charts.gc.ca/publications/tables-eng.html and https://www.notmar.gc.ca/index-en.php”

10/10/2025

Luxury Tax Killing Your Yacht Dreams? Here's How Smart Buyers Are Navigating Canada's New Rules

Hey there, boat lovers! Steve here, and I've got to tell you - Canada's luxury tax has been a real game-changer since it dropped on September 1, 2022. Not in a good way, either. We're talking about a 70% drop in boat sales while the government only collected a fraction of what they expected. But here's the thing - smart buyers are finding ways around this mess, and I'm going to share exactly how they're doing it.
What Exactly Is This Luxury Tax?
Let me break it down for you in plain English. The Select Luxury Items Tax hits any recreational boat over $250,000 CAD that was manufactured after 2018. The calculation is simple but painful: you pay whichever is less - either 10% of the total purchase price OR 20% of the amount over $250,000.
So if you're looking at a $300,000 yacht:
Option 1: 10% of $300,000 = $30,000
Option 2: 20% of $50,000 (the excess over $250,000) = $10,000
You'd pay the lower amount - $10,000. Still stings, but not as bad as it could be.
And here's the kicker - they charge GST and QST on the luxury tax itself. That's right, you're paying tax on the tax. It's like they're trying to make boat ownership as expensive as possible.

The Registration Date Loophole That's Saving Buyers Thousands
Here's where it gets interesting. The biggest loophole in this whole system revolves around registration dates. If a boat was registered anywhere in the world before September 1, 2022, it's completely exempt from the luxury tax when sold privately.
I've seen buyers save $20,000, $30,000, even $50,000+ by focusing on pre-registered vessels. The key word here is "privately" - this exemption only works for private sales, not dealer sales of new inventory.
Pro tip: The luxury tax is only paid once per boat. So if someone already paid it on a 2019+ vessel, the next buyer won't pay it again. That makes these boats more attractive in the resale market.
The 2018 Cutoff - Your Golden Ticket
Want to completely avoid the headache? Buy a 2018 or earlier boat. Doesn't matter if it's worth $500,000 or $5 million - if it was manufactured in 2018 or before, you're golden. No luxury tax, period.
I've had clients find incredible deals on 2017 and 2018 models that are practically brand new. Sometimes the previous owner barely used them, and now you can snag them without the tax penalty. These boats often have all the modern features you want without the government's hand in your pocket.

The Foreign Waters Strategy
Here's another angle that's working for my clients: keep your boat outside Canada. If you buy a boat and keep it in U.S. or international waters, you can avoid the Canadian luxury tax entirely.
This works especially well for buyers who:
Cruise primarily in U.S. waters
Winter in Florida or the Caribbean
Have dual residency situations
Prefer international marinas
The tax only kicks in when a post-2018, over-$250K boat physically enters Canadian waters after September 1, 2022. And even then, if you can prove it was registered elsewhere before that date, you're still exempt.
Market Timing Is Everything Right Now
With the current 90-day pause on U.S.-Canada tariffs still in effect, boats remain exempt from the tariff rounds we've been seeing. Plus, there's still inventory from 2023-2024 that hasn't absorbed full inflationary pricing yet.
This creates a unique window for buyers who can act fast. Dealers are sitting on inventory that was priced before recent cost increases, so you might find deals that won't exist in six months.

The Under-$250K Sweet Spot
The most straightforward approach? Stay under the threshold. The market has responded by packing incredible value into boats priced at $249,999. You'd be amazed at what manufacturers are fitting into that price point now.
I've seen 30-footers with features that used to only come on much larger, more expensive boats. The competition in the $200K-$249K range is fierce, which means better deals for buyers.
Real Talk: What This Tax Has Done to Our Industry
Let me be honest with you - this luxury tax has been devastating. We've lost jobs across the entire marine sector. Dealers, service providers, manufacturers - especially in smaller coastal communities - have been hit hard.
The government projected $52 million in revenue over two years. They got $12 million. Meanwhile, Canadian buyers are just crossing the border to buy from U.S. dealers, which means we're losing business and tax revenue.
The numbers don't lie:
❌ 70% drop in boat sales
❌ Job losses across the industry
❌ Lost revenue from cross-border shopping
❌ Inventory sitting unsold at dealers
Your Action Plan for 2025
If you're serious about buying a boat this year, here's what I recommend:
✅ Focus on pre-September 2022 registered boats
✅ Consider 2018 and earlier models
✅ Explore cross-border options
✅ Act fast on current inventory pricing
✅ Work with brokers who understand the exemptions
The marine industry continues pushing for repeal of this tax, but until that happens, these strategies are your best bet for avoiding unnecessary costs.

How I'm Helping Clients Navigate This Mess
Look, I've been in this business long enough to know that where there are complicated rules, there are usually legitimate ways to work within them. I've helped dozens of clients save tens of thousands by understanding these exemptions and timing their purchases right.
Whether you're looking for a weekend cruiser or a serious offshore yacht, there are ways to get what you want without paying Uncle Ottawa's luxury tax. It just takes knowing where to look and when to move.
Ready to explore your options? The combination of tax avoidance strategies and current market timing could save you serious money compared to walking into a dealer and buying new off the floor.
Every situation is different, and the right approach depends on your specific needs, timeline, and how you plan to use your boat. But with the right guidance, you can still make your yacht dreams happen without getting hammered by this poorly designed tax.

Don't let government overreach kill your boating dreams. There are still plenty of ways to get on the water without paying their luxury tax penalty. Contact me today and let's find you the perfect boat at the right price - minus the unnecessary government fees.
The water's waiting, and so am I. Let's get you out there where you belong! 🚤

Steve The Yacht Guy

10/11/2025

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