Free Prince Edward Island Boat Bill of Sale
Boat sales on Prince Edward Island, surrounded by water on all sides, follow federal Transport Canada rules rather than provincial ones. PEI Access does not handle boat transfers — the buyer applies directly to Transport Canada for a new Pleasure Craft Licence using the bill of sale as proof of purchase. Record the Hull Identification Number accurately, as it is the vessel's permanent legal identifier.
Free PDF includes a small watermark at the bottom. Go Pro to remove it. Already subscribed? Sign in.
Prince Edward Island Boat Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Tax Details
A private vessel sale on PEI carries the 15% HST, worked out from whatever price the parties declare — boats get no wholesale-guide floor here.
Inspection Requirements
PEI puts no inspector between a pleasure craft and its buyer. What the law does expect aboard is the federal safety kit — flotation, extinguisher, signalling and bailing gear — which the buyer should inventory at handover.
Prince Edward Island Boat Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Find the HIN where the builder stamped it — starboard side of the transom — and copy every character faithfully
- Draft the bill of sale around both parties' details plus the vessel's: HIN, builder, year, length, hull material, the engine's make, horsepower and serial, and the agreed figure
- Hand over the paperwork for the current Pleasure Craft Licence so the buyer's new application can reference it
- The buyer then files for their own PCL — Transport Canada's web route is quick, the mail route slow
- Settle the 15% HST, computed against the price as declared
- Walk the federal equipment list together before money moves: flotation for everyone aboard, extinguisher, sound signal, flares, bailer, heaving line
- Sign in duplicate and part ways with one original each
Common Pitfalls
- Assuming PEI Access handles boat transfers — they do not for recreational pleasure craft. Transport Canada is the federal authority.
- Saltwater corrosion on the HIN — PEI's marine environment is hard on hull markings; confirm the HIN is fully legible before completing the sale.
- Missing engine information — for Island boating, engine specs (make/model/HP/serial) are important for both insurance and safety. Include on the bill of sale.
- Overlooking the safety equipment inventory — confirm what safety gear is included in the sale price and what is excluded, to avoid disputes after handover.
Pro Tip
Prince Edward Island's position in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its extensive network of rivers and inlets support a strong recreational boating community. The Transport Canada online PCL application is the fastest route to getting the new owner licensed on the water. Complete the application the same day as the bill of sale signing to ensure the buyer is legal for the full season.