Commercial or Private registration problem

HI ALL

I'm trying to get to grips with the US Customs and immigration, my latest problem is my cruising permit.

Somebody in their wisdom recommended the owner registered my boat as a commercial vessel, this is giving plenty of problems one of which is as follows.

We arrived here in Ft Lauderdale to get maintenance carried out with the plan to then head north to Canada, stopping at various destinations on the way. On arrival I was informed that having a commercial status means we cannot have a cruising permit. So what am I meant to do? Can I simply check out of each port and continue the passage north, checking in at each port I stop at?
If we re-register as a private vessel can we still charter (outside the US)?
If we are a private foreign flagged vessel will we no longer be able to take advantage of the tax breaks, i.e. No tax of Fuel here in the states?

You really need to make sure all info is correct before entering and travelling around the US. I even received information from the american embassy in the Bahamas that was incorrect. So I've learnt to check everything again and again before I end up with a costly fine or worse being locked up!!!

I starting to think the US government doesn't need/want our business

yes

The broker who sold him the boat (and also became his first captain) suggested the boat be commercial!!!

thanks

Your profile won't let me email you.

I really would like them to help me so can you email me the info.

Thanks
Chris