Buying a boat and trailer, what's required?

[Bobby B.]

Viewed a 12 Ft. Lund on Friday and thought it was in decent shape. On the otherhand, the trailer looked pretty rough but nothing some old fashioned elbow grease couldn't overcome. I'm seriously considering purchasing the boat and the trailer then preparing both to be ready for the water as early as possible.

My Question is, "Are there any requirements or conditions which must be met for a boat and trailer here in Alberta?" For instance, the seller pointed out a small metal plate denoting the boat was registered in Alberta and that it cost him $100.00 to acquire this plate.

Bobby B.

[javlin101]

Boat should be registered already, numbers on the side of the hull. The trailer you will need to transfer the registration to yourself. you only do this once for as long as you own it.

[Freedom55]

Buying a registration is nonsense. The plaque may have come with the hull to indicate maximum weights and engine size, plus the manufacturer's codes.

You have to register the trailer and affix a permanent plate. About $100.00

If you have more than a 9.9 hp engine then the craft must be registered with the coast guard, a free service. There would be a series of numbers painted or glued on the hull near the front


Otherwise, make sure it is seaworthy (fill it with water and see how much, and where, it leaks out.

As long as it is attached to a tow vehicle, you are covered in terms of PL/PD. Separate insurance can be purchased to cover any marine disasters (running someone over, someone falling out, accidents while towing a skier, that sort of thing.

If you have any form or propulsion other than a pair of oars or paddles, then you also need to have a Safe Boaters Operator Card. About $40.00

Free

[javlin101]

For instance, the seller pointed out a small metal plate denoting the boat was registered in Alberta and that it cost him $100.00 to acquire this plate.

I think he means the small licence plate on the trailer not on the boat.

[TROLLER]

I cannot picture a small plate. The plate on any of my trailors is the same size as on my truck and car.

If you go over 9.9 HP you will need to license the boat , ie: get a registration number that has to go on the bow both sides as well as an operators license.

If the trailer was registered in Alberta all you need from the seller is the bottom of his registration. Then you simply give that to registry and they will issue you a new license.

If it was not registered in Alberta then you have a whoe new kettle of worms to deal with.

[Bobby B.]

Originally Posted by javlin101

For instance, the seller pointed out a small metal plate denoting the boat was registered in Alberta and that it cost him $100.00 to acquire this plate.

I think he means the small licence plate on the trailer not on the boat.

Yes, I should have written trailer not boat. The plaque the seller pointed out was on the trailer. Sorry, guys, my bad.

Bobby B.

[gilbertslake]

Originally Posted by Bobby B.

Yes, I should have written trailer not boat. The plaque the seller pointed out was on the trailer. Sorry, guys, my bad.

Bobby B.

Maybe the Canadian compliance sticker if the boat was brought in from the US. But that is about $200.00 for the inspection.

[bloopbloob]

Originally Posted by Bobby B.

Yes, I should have written trailer not boat. The plaque the seller pointed out was on the trailer. Sorry, guys, my bad.

Bobby B.

I know what you're talking about. Dealt with this when I got my trailer. Yes, the trailer needs a permanently affixed plate or decal (not talking about the license plate), and if its missing, its a bit of a headache to get new one. Someone will have to come out and certify the trailer as roadworthy and then issue it a new #, which costs around $100, sounds like this is what has been done already. If you're restoring the trailer (as I did), make sure to keep the plate or decal, or at least document it with pictures. What I did, was take pictures of the decal on my trailer, prior to sandblasting and powdercoat, then made myself a new aluminum plate with a stamp kit and riveted that on the trailer.

Under 10hp, your boat doesnt need to be registered, anything 10 and over and it needs registration #'s on it (free but takes a couple weeks). License plate for trailer is also needed, cost around $100 also.

[Bobby B.]

Originally Posted by bloopbloob

I know what you're talking about. Dealt with this when I got my trailer. Yes, the trailer needs a permanently affixed plate or decal (not talking about the license plate), and if its missing, its a bit of a headache to get new one. Someone will have to come out and certify the trailer as roadworthy and then issue it a new #, which costs around $100, sounds like this is what has been done already. If you're restoring the trailer (as I did), make sure to keep the plate or decal, or at least document it with pictures. What I did, was take pictures of the decal on my trailer, prior to sandblasting and powdercoat, then made myself a new aluminum plate with a stamp kit and riveted that on the trailer.

Under 10hp, your boat doesnt need to be registered, anything 10 and over and it needs registration #'s on it (free but takes a couple weeks). License plate for trailer is also needed, cost around $100 also.

Thanks for the great info, it really clarifies a number of points for me. Now I know what's reqyired and what I need to do to comply. BTW, hwat's the costs to powder coat a trailer?

Bobby B.

[bloopbloob]

Originally Posted by Bobby B.

Thanks for the great info, it really clarifies a number of points for me. Now I know what's reqyired and what I need to do to comply. BTW, hwat's the costs to powder coat a trailer?

Bobby B.

I had mine sandblasted, zinc'd, and powdercoated at my welding shop, so I got it done for case of beer. I'd estimate it'd cost about $400+ for what I had done though. Zinc isn't really necessary, and fairly expensive, as with powdercoating. I just happened to have the connections to have it done that way and it turned out great. I'd highly suggest spending the $50-$100 for sandblasting, then paint with rustoleum or something similar and it'll turn out pretty nice! Elbow grease just isn't gonna cut it with a rusty trailer.

couple pics: