purchasing aluminum boats from China import to Canada - feasible?

[duped1]

I have been looking on alibaba and they have some really nice 18-25 aluminum cuddy cabin boats from Chinese manufacturers for decent prices. I am wondering if anyone has ever purchased a boat from China and the things to watch for or if it is even feasible for Canada. The main issues I see are duties and proper certification. They usually do CE (Europe) certification but nothing specifically for Canada. They also seem to be keyed into the Australian market whose standard are probably quite similar to Canada's. Any ideas, insights and particularly experience in this would be appreciated.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

Interesting. I know that Prince Craft boats from Quebec are actually made in China and put together in Quebec with a few Canadian made parts and called Made In Canada. I have no idea how one would get a Transport Canada tag for it without all the weight specifications from the manufacturer, that would be the tough part I believe.

 

[gm280]

:welcome: duped1 to iboats. Always nice to have a new member...

This is just my personal opinion because I honestly have no personal knowledge about any China made boat. I would do a lot of searching about the manufacturer and everything it takes to get the boat to you (cost wise as well) to see if that is a good idea or not. First thing of the top of my head is a warranty. I don't see how you would get any warranty or even compensation if the hull came in and was damaged. Being how this is from the China manufacturer to you and not a marine that carries such products, you are on your very own with the purchase. That has to be figured into the cost in my opinion.

I would check the aluminum gauge thickness specification including the type of aluminum they use and if it was a riveted hull or all welded. And also about flotation materiel on-board and everything you can find out about the hull. Could be a good deal, or it could be a nightmare. I don't know. JMHO

 

[82rude]

What gm280 said.I bought a chinese 12g shotgun years ago ,great deal with 7 year warranty.Well it broke and in order to get it fixed,you guessed right ,ship to china for repair.I gave it away and now own a Weatherby.

 

[fishin98]

Interesting. I know that Prince Craft boats from Quebec are actually made in China and put together in Quebec with a few Canadian made parts and called Made In Canada. I have no idea how one would get a Transport Canada tag for it without all the weight specifications from the manufacturer, that would be the tough part I believe.

I would like to see some supporting evidence on that statement....Princecraft is owned by Brunswick.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

I don't have any evidence other than I saw it on a CBC news report. There are several articles confirming the fallacy of Canadian Made products coming from off shore countries and put together here.