NO Canadian Tariffs on These Boats

NO Canadian Tariffs on These Boats Canadian boat buyers have a reason to celebrate: Quarken Boats – a renowned Finnish brand – are arriving in Canada completely tariff-free. These sleek, award-winning boats, built in Finland and powered by high-performance Yamaha engines from Japan, benefit from the Canada–EU free Trade Agreement (CETA) that eliminates import duties […] The post NO Canadian Tariffs on These Boats appeared first on YACHT Solutions.

Mar 23, 2025 - 05:30

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March 4, 2025
By YACHT Solutions

NO Canadian Tariffs on These Boats

Canadian boat buyers have a reason to celebrate: Quarken Boats – a renowned Finnish brand – are arriving in Canada completely tariff-free. These sleek, award-winning boats, built in Finland and powered by high-performance Yamaha engines from Japan, benefit from the Canada–EU free Trade Agreement (CETA) that eliminates import duties (Import Duties Drop To Zero On Boats Made In Europe – Ita Yachts Canada). The result? Quarken’s premium vessels are more affordable in Canada than in the U.S., where import tariffs still apply, giving Canadian boating enthusiasts a significant price advantage!

Tariff-Free Advantage Under CETA

Under CETA, Canada dropped its previous 9.5% import duty on EU made boats to 0%. This means Quarken boats enter Canada without any import tariff, allowing savings that can amount to tens of thousands of dollars on a high-end purchase. In contrast, a buyer importing the same boat into Canada from the United States would face import duties of 9.5%. U.S. tariffs add extra cost that Canadian buyers simply don’t have to pay. The tariff-free status of Quarken boats in Canada, combined with factory direct favorable pricing, often keeps many models below Canada’s luxury tax threshold (Yacht Solutions Brings Award-Winning Quarken Boats to Canada). In short, Canadian customers can own a world-class, European-built boat for less than our neighbors to the south, thanks to trade benefits and smart importing.

Key Benefits for Canadian Buyers:

No Import Duties: Save roughly 9.5% compared to pre-CETA costs – a savings U.S. buyers don’t get.
Lower Overall Price: With starting prices around $149,000 CAD for a Quarken 27’ Open model with Yamaha 300 hp, Canadians get outstanding value (Yacht Solutions Brings Award-Winning Quarken Boats to Canada) without hidden import fees and factory direct pricing.

Avoidance of Extra Taxes: Many Quarken models are priced under the federal luxury boat tax limit, meaning additional tax can often be avoided.
Hassle-Free Ownership: The importing and very strict Transport Canada compliance and certification is handled by experts (Yacht Solutions), so you enjoy the cost benefits without the paperwork.

Award-Winning Design & Performance

Quarken’s boats – like this 27 Cabin model – showcase sleek Scandinavian design and a twin-stepped hull for superb performance. Powered by Yamaha outboards, they deliver speed, stability, and reliability on the water.

These Award Winning Quarken Boats are turning heads worldwide for their innovative design and exceptional performance. Originating from the Kvarken archipelago in Finland, these boats draw inspiration from nature and decades of Nordic boat-building expertise. The result is a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and practical functionality. Each Quarken features a clever modular layout that maximizes comfort and practical living on board – whether it’s the open deck space of the 27 Open or the cozy all-weather cabin of the 27 Cabin. The craftsmanship has not gone unnoticed; the Quarken 27 Cabin was even shortlisted for the 2024 Motor Boat Awards in the Adventure Boats category (Quarken 27 Cabin – Etesian Marine), underscoring the brand’s award-winning design credentials.

Performance is equally impressive. Every Quarken comes equipped with state-of-the-art Yamaha outboard engines, a trusted Japanese marque known for reliability. In fact, Yamaha’s powerful V6 engines were chosen to exclusively power all Quarken models (Yamaha signs five-year contract with new Scandi boat brand – Quarken), ensuring smooth, responsive acceleration and dependable operation. Advanced features like drive-by-wire throttles and multifunction displays come standard, giving captains precise control and insight at the helm. The hull design – including a twin-stepped hull and flared bow – provides excellent stability, efficiency, and a dry ride even in choppy Great Lakes conditions. Fast, fun, and fantastic to drive, Quarken boats have been praised as “good to drive, cleverly arranged, easy to use and accessibly priced” by reviewers (Fast, fun and fantastic value – Quarken). In short, you’re getting a boat that not only looks stunning but also delivers an exhilarating, confidence-inspiring experience on the water.

A Better Deal in Canada than the U.S.

One of the most compelling reasons to choose Quarken in Canada is the price gap vs. the U.S. market. Because these boats arrive duty-free in Canada, Canadian buyers effectively get a built-in discount that U.S. buyers do not. If a Canadian buys a Quarken in the USA and tries to import to Canada, they must pay federal import duties (typically ~9.5% for powerboats) on top of the boat’s price, plus any applicable fees. That could mean paying several thousand dollars more just in tariffs, not to mention logistics and certification costs. Canadian buyers can avoid that entirely, by purchasing the boat in Canada that is built and certified by Transport Canada. The tariff savings combined with competitive base pricing mean you can often get a higher-end model or extra options for the same budget. For example, the Quarken 35 Cabin – a 35-foot flagship loaded with features – can be bought in Canada for significantly less than a comparable U.S.-imported boat, giving you more boat for your money. It’s rare that Canadians get a pricing edge on luxury items, but Quarken is a case where our free trade deal pays off big time.

Additionally, with many Quarken models coming in under the luxury tax cap, Canadian owners can potentially save even more (the federal luxury tax of 10-20% applies above certain price points). Yacht Solutions, the importer, has noted that “many models are priced below the applicable Luxury Tax”, making these boats an even sweeter deal. All told, when you factor in no import tariff, often no luxury tax, and favorable pricing, Canadian buyers enjoy a total cost of ownership that U.S. buyers can only envy. It’s an opportunity to own a premium European boat at a truly competitive price.

YACHT Solutions - Your Great Lakes Quarken Dealer

Behind this tariff-free opportunity is Yacht Solutions, the premier dealer and importer of Quarken Boats in the Great Lakes region. Based in the Greater Toronto Area, Yacht Solutions is an established yacht dealership known for its expertise in bringing overseas brands to Canadian waters. As the exclusive Canadian representative for Quarken, Yacht Solutions handles the Transport Canada Certification requirements and all the importing logistics, eliminating import fees and ensuring that buyers get the full benefit of CETA’s tariff-free pricing (Award-winning Quarken Boats make their way to Canadian waters – Power Boating Magazine). The team at Yacht Solutions, led by President Greg Marlo, is passionate about delivering outstanding value and service to Canadian boaters. “Quarken boats provide outstanding value and quality for Canadian boaters, with no import tariffs,” Marlo emphasizes – a testament to the company’s commitment to cost-effective luxury.

Choosing Yacht Solutions means you’re not just buying a boat; you’re gaining a trusted partner in your boating journey. From helping you select the perfect Quarken model and configuration, to providing orientation and after-sales support, Yacht Solutions ensures a smooth and rewarding ownership experience. The Quarken lineup offered through Yacht Solutions includes versatile 27’ and 35’ models in Open, T-Top, and Cabin variants, allowing you to tailor your vessel to your lifestyle. Whether you plan to cruise the Great Lakes on sunny afternoons or extend your boating season with a heated cabin in early spring and late fall, there’s a Quarken model equipped for the task. Yacht Solutions’ deep knowledge of the local boating conditions means they can guide you on the best features for navigating our waters, and their service network across the region keeps your boat running hassle-free. With Yacht Solutions at the helm of import and support, owning a Quarken in Canada is easy, reliable, and rewarding.

Experience Quarken - Explore with YACHT Solutions

In summary, Quarken Boats offer Canadian buyers an unparalleled mix of quality and value: cutting-edge Scandinavian design, proven Yamaha performance, and thanks to CETA, a price point that beats the U.S. market for similar boats. If you’ve been dreaming of a high-end boat that combines style, speed, and comfort – now is the time to take a closer look at Quarken. Imagine yourself slicing through the water in a head-turning Quarken 27 or 35, knowing you saved thousands on tariffs and own something truly special. This is more than just a boat; it’s a statement that you insist on the best experience and the best deal.

Ready to explore Quarken boats for yourself? Yacht Solutions invites you to discover the Quarken lineup and see the difference that tariff-free importing can make. Visit YachtSolutions.ca to browse models, specs, and pricing, or drop by their showroom in the GTA to get an up-close look. Better yet, arrange a sea trial and feel the Quarken performance firsthand. With Yacht Solutions’ expert guidance, you could be cruising in your own Quarken by next season – enjoying top-tier luxury at a down-to-earth price. Don’t miss out on this unique advantage for Canadian boaters; contact Yacht Solutions today and embark on your Quarken adventure with confidence and extra cash in your pocket!

Explore the Quarken range and start your journey: Visit YachtSolutions.ca or call Yacht Solutions to learn more about available models and special offers. Experience the thrill of Quarken – tariff-free, hassle-free, and ready for your lake adventures!