SideBar Beverage Dispensor

[Bill & Donna Sibbers]

Hello, Yes, this is clearly a non-essential cruising accessory. On the other hand this may be an essential yacht club accessory. We had one (Perm-a-Pub) in our 26' Nordic Tug and found it handy and fun. This updated unit is excellent and found a mounting location behind drawers.

http://sidebarbeverage.com

Enjoy.

Bill and Donna

 

[daviduphoff]

Bill-

Ricki has one of these at the top of her Christmas list after seeing the one on your former N26. No boat should be without one. No more dragging the bottles out. I'm just not sure how to explain it to Canadian Customs.

-David

 

[Irish Mist]

I was told a handy phrase regarding border crossing . It is " Ship stores " essentially it allows you to bring things that you use day to day across on your boat These items could be quite extensive depending on the length of your trip.

 

[Bill & Donna Sibbers]

Thank you "Irish Mist" for your post. When we called customs when entering Canada this year we heard "ship's stores" for the first time. While visiting we found a Canadian cruising publication with a very detailed and updated description of border crossing requirements both as citizen's and visitors. This confirmed the same. As Nexus card holders we never want to be out of compliance.

 

[Red Raven]

Be careful when using "ships stores". We have friends who were told to use the "ships stores" term for a sizable store of wine they keep on their 55' live aboard trawler. Customs didn't agree, which was an expensive lesson for them. The general rule of thumb I have been told for "ships stores" when it comes to alcohol is the bottles must be open. If not, and if beyond the duty free limit, customs can charge you duty and potentially a fine (equal to the market price of all the liquor over the duty free limit!) If the bottles are in a condition that they can be sold customs may assume that will be the case.

The Sidebar beverage dispenser should not be a problem and clearly qualifies as "ships store" based on this rule.

 

[Bill & Donna Sibbers]

Thanks for sharing that story. I have heard it as well. We didn't use the term, the custom's agent did. I will stick with simply
describing what we have on board and let customs make the call.

 

[R Baker]

You might try telling Cdn customs that your wine cellar is in bond (and under lock and key) while transiting Cdn waters on your way to Alaska from Washington state.