Not for Sale to US Citizen While in US Waters

[Rivers2Seas]

looking at boats I keep seeing this statement " NOT FOR SALE TO US CITIZEN WHILE IN US WATERS"
some people say that this is just a tax dodge and how to buy the boat in international waters. Weird but sure. So lets say I do that, what are the repercussions when I bring the boat to the US. Or sell in the US? Or insure the boat?

[beowulfborealis]

State sales taxes? I know that Senator John Kerry tried to avoid paying about 500k in MA taxes when he bought a new boat in RI. Legally, as long as he didn't bring it to MA for six months, he didn't have to pay the sales taxes, although he paid when some reporters found out this little dodge.

[FrankZ]

I believe Senator Kerry is a US citizen. The question was about boats that were not for sale to US citizens, not about Senators that bought a boat in a different state.

This topic seems to stir up the political posters, I suggest this one be avoided in this thread.

[Rivers2Seas]

I live in Colorado, not bringing the boat here. But would like to bring the boat to Florida

[Bash]

That would indicate a foreign-flagged vessel in US waters under a cruising permit. Such permits forbid vessels from engaging in commercial ventures, which would include offering the boat for sale or charter.

[Cotemar]

Sounds like someone did not pay the 2% import duty tax on a foreign made vessel.
This must be a charter boat that was purchased and brought to the BVI’s. No tax's, import duty or use tax there,

[GordMay]

The duty/tax has not been paid..
An import duty has to be paid if a yacht is built outside of the US and is offered for sale to US residents while in US waters. The yacht may then only be kept in the US by a US resident, if it is in the care of a licensed yacht broker. The new owner can gain use of the yacht by paying a 6% use tax, or avoide the tax by purchasing & maintaining the boat offshore.