Laying up in the USA

[Close hauled]

Does anyone know if there are tax or other restrictions (other than Visa) if I wanted to lay up my boat in the USA for between 6 to 12 vmonths?

It is a Part 1 British registered sailing yacht, VAT paid.

 

[DaveNTL]

We are currently laid up there, but we bought our boat in the US (British registered now) and have a 'user fee decal', so not the same as your circumstances.

I would think you could do what you want with a 'cruising licence', even though you aren't cruising, so long as you don't keep the boat in the US longer than 12 months.

This link might help, or you might be able to enquire there.

 

[SimonJ]

When you arrive and check in with US Customs and Immigration (aka Homeland Security) you will for a modest fee (approx $25) be provided with a cruising permit valid for 1 year. Subject to checking in limits etc that is all the boat needs. YOU need a Visa and that will allow you to stay in US up to 6 months. So LEAVING your boat for up to a year is no problem.
Hope this helps.

 

[Lizzie_B]

As well as federal law, different states have different regulations. You need to check with the place where you lay up what the local regs are.

Where we lay up in the Northern Neck of Virginia, just off the Potomac River the rules are not to record foriegn registered vessels, therefore no local tax or registration liabilities. Florida and NY State's attitudes are very different.

My understanding of Florida Law is that if the boat is in the State for 6months it will be deemed its 'State of Primary Use' and you may be required to register it in FL (not expensive or difficult) but you may then also become liable for property tax assesment.
Where are you thinking of laying up?