Luxury taxes are typically imposed on goods or services that are considered non-essential or indulgent and are often applied to high-end or luxury items such as expensive cars, jewellery, yachts and airplanes. The boating industry in Canada has been hit with the Luxury Goods Tax and was implemented by the Federal Government in September 2022. it. Some say the luxury boat tax will be detrimental to the boating industry in Canada. In a market already reeling from Covid restrictions, supply chain issues and inventory shortages implementing a luxury boat tax in the current market is another way to ..read more

Boat shows are one of the first places that allow you to see the newest models on the market. The latest and most innovative products, from eye-catching boats to handy new boating accessories, will be featured at individual exhibitor booths. Boat shows are all different, and let’s be honest, that’s what makes them so awesome! We have put together a few things you may expect from a boat show. Tip #1: Wear good walking shoes One thing about a boat exhibition is that you will be walking for miles. Often, boat shows have both indoor and outdoor locations. However, keep in mind that if you want to ..read more

If you are a boater in Canada, you know the importance of taking time to prepare your boat for fall and winter storage. However, the options to winterize will be a very different decision depending on where you boat in Canada. In locations where the temperatures drop below freezing it is important to take the boat out of the water. Not winterizing at the correct time means you run the risk of  damage to the boat’s fibreglass and hull, a cracked engine block or gear case or worse. Instead of repairing the freeze damage in the spring, save time and money and winterize correctly in the fall ..read more

Limit fuel spills The small fuel spills that come from recreational boating may seem insignificant, but collectively they have a horrifying impact – the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) likens the effect on the environment to “death by 1000 cuts”. Taking steps to learn how to fuel a boat correctly and to limit any extra fuel from ending up in the water can go a long way to keep aquatic ecosystems healthy. You can take small actions such as filling your portable fuel tank on shore to avoid spilling any in the water, or use absorbent rags to mop up any extra fuel. Refrain from topping ..read more

If you are a boater in Canada, you know the importance of taking time to prepare your boat for fall and winter storage. However, the options to winterize will be a very different decision depending on where you boat in Canada. In locations where the temperatures drop below freezing it is important to take the boat out of the water. Not winterizing at the correct time means you run the risk of  damage to the boat’s fibreglass and hull, a cracked engine block or gear case or worse. Instead of repairing the freeze damage in the spring, save time and money and winterize correctly in the fall ..read more

A Canadian’s boating story from the Sea of Cortez* Submitted by: Marcella Van SlykeLocation : Sea of Cortez, Mexico Boat:  Azimut 80 Year: January 2017 My very memorable experience boating was a trip to Mexico to cruise the Sea of Cortez with my sister and her family.I jumped for joy when I was invited, but I also panicked!  I was terrified of boats; even though I could swim like a fish and I was a trained life guard.  In my teen years I canoed with my sisters and spent time in small boats with friends at Elkwater Lake in Alberta, but somewhere in my early 30’s I developed a fea ..read more

From coast to coast, there is an abundance of opportunities to see a variety of whales species and other wildlife. The thrill of seeing a killer whale breach is a breathtaking experience. With the current trend of eco-tourism and the whale populations declining, the Canadian government and conservation groups have recommended boating rules around whales and other wildlife observations. Rules around observing southern resident killer whales by boat in coastal waters of BC In May 2022 the Government of Canada released updated boating rules around whales as part of the Whales Initiative of the Oc ..read more

Impact of water levels All across Canada we have seen varied weather patterns in 2022. From higher than normal snow pack, higher precipitation and seasonally cool or hot weather. The other sleeping giant is the rise of sea levels. Each of these phenomenon can lead to hazards such as too low, too high water levels and marine debris. This impact on water levels for recreational boating creates the need for extra safety measures when navigating inland waterways and the open ocean. On June 9 Parks Canada issued a Trent-Severn waterway public safety notice regarding the high water on Severn, Trent ..read more

A Canadian Boating Story from Jeffery Socket Submitted by: Jeffrey Socket Location : Simcoe Lake, Ontario Boat:  Subee, Tanzer 22 This is a story of an incident that happened many years ago. I had a Tanzer 22 that I kept at Kon Tiki Marina. I enjoy sailing, but do not have an obsessive desire for it. I am just as happy to let someone else sail while I sleep. Also, I have never raced. A upper calling to get the boat on the lake One morning while I was at work, I had an overwhelming and unexplainable urge to go sailing, so strong I could not resist. I never sail during work hours, nor ..read more

Submitted by:  Peers Pendlebury Location : Vancouver Island to Hawaii Occupation: Retired: Dad and daughter sailing journey Year:  2004 Boat:  Subee, an Alberg 30 A dream to sail to Hawaii When I was a working stiff I had three goals that more or less obsessed me. Although I lived in the BC interior, one of my goals was to go on an offshore sailing journey and lose sight of land. I  owned a Tanzer 26 on Kootenay Lake so had a taste for sailing but had no idea why I so wanted to go offshore. I retired early and my family and I moved to Vancouver Island to be nearer t ..read more