trailering boat into Canada

This will be our first year to bring a boat to Canada. Will go thru International Falls in July. Any special issues to deal with to get thru Customs, going either way?

Another thread said we don't need Ontario-style safety equipment, just those items that satisfy regs here in our home state. Anyone know if this is official policy? I have a tendency to get stopped in boats by the OPP, four times now.

[IaCraig]

The only hassle I've ever had trailering into Canada, was 1 year they made me duct tape shut the open ends of my safety chain "S" hooks so they could not accidently bounce off while going down the road. I taped them shut for the next couple years, but quit a while back and no one mentioned it again.

IaCraig

[Trailerguy]

[font color=green size=3][b]The Regulations of the state of registration apply to the saftey regs. of a boat or 4 wheeler. But the trailer, like the tow vehicle is subject to Canadian traffic laws. That's where the closed saftey chain thing, and the 80 killometer speed limit gets you. Just like the speed laws vary from state to state here.

Thanks for this info. I did not know about having to use closed hooks on the safety chains. Mine are open. Is is OK to just duct tape them shut, as described above?

RSH8

[Trailerguy]

[font color=green size=3][b]A few years back they even let you use a rubber band. But someone told me they were insisting on a closed hook now.

I live in Wisconsin and have a cabin on Lake of the Woods. I have never had any issue about boat regulations at the border. However, it is my understanding that when you are on the water in Canada you need to be carrying the required safety equipment. You can buy small cannisters that contain the safety equipment at any Canadian Tire. It has been so long since I have opened one of the cannisters, I can't remember exactly what is in them. I think there is a floating line, a whistle, a mirror and some other things. I am sure you can find out the details regarding the boating regulations for Ontario online. I have never been checked on the water, but I know other people that have been checked. Good luck fishing. The trip is well worth it.