Buying a boat in Mexico Episode 1

[@michealc2292]

Very helpful as I have been looking for a boat in Mexico. Thanks

[@sailingmilagro]

Hope you find one 😃

[@azul_5157]

I'm on boat number 2 bought in Mexico. Can't agree with you more! Thanks for you channel!

[@sailingmilagro]

Cheers

[@francoisl7663]

Good point about the likelyhood that they're equipped for cruising down there. Lot of $ in it

[@sailingmilagro]

People appear to forget, adding Davits , a dingy and decent outboard , water maker , life raft , solar and a decent battery bank , all the spares needed. A proper anchor and 300 feet of chain , Epirb adds at least 70k

[@jimdiamond8246]

Thanks for the vid .will be going to Mexico in about March to look at some cruising boats .was a little concerned how to go about it all but this vid has given me the tools to make it happen. Once again thanks 👍.

[@sailingmilagro]

Glad you found the video useful. Good luck with your search for a boat.

[@michaeljones3990]

Just watch your your video on buying a boat in Mexico it was very helpful thank you I'm a newbie heading to San Carlos next week kind of looking around for about really enjoy your channel thank you

[@sailingmilagro]

Good luck with your search . Thanks for your kind comment.👍

[@islandman9619]

Thanks Kevan! I ended finding a boat in Rio Dulce, and was very lucky with the owners that spent 5 days with me taking care of all the paperwork, including the "captains" permit. What has been taking an absurd amount of time was getting the deletion letter from the French naval registry and then having USCG document the boat, which still isn't completed. I paid the boat in March of this year and I'm still waiting for USCG to finalize the documents! I'll follow your channel and plan to have my own the coming months as I re-settle from Hawaii to my boat and start heading out for adventure :) Cheers mate!

[@sailingmilagro]

Frustrating !!! Im still going through cancellation of the temporary import permit and getting a new permit in my name.

[@islandman9619]

@@sailingmilagro For sure. I just called USCG this morning and they put me back at the end of the line for having to supplement my application. I'm actually going to cancel that and register the boat in Poland or Netherlands. Current USCG wait time for recreational boat first time registration is about 90 days...Anyway, happy sailing to you!

[@Mexicantours]

I came on a 32 Yamaha finished in Rio Dulce ..how’s is it all there now.

[@oceancowboy6981]

I believe it’s a great idea for sure to buy a sailboat in Mexico 🇲🇽 I am going to be driving from Texas to Guaymas San Carlos Mexico and I just need to get over the fear of crossing the border but I’m hearing it safe to do so hopefully I could see you around down there sometime cheers 👍⛵️🤠

[@sailingmilagro]

I’ve been in Mexico for 10 years and never felt unsafe or found myself in an uncomfortable situation . Enjoy your new boat

[@rosco950ss7]

Thanks Kevin. this has been a helpful video and gives me confidence to start looking into buying a boat in Mexico and sailing home to NewZealand. NZ a trade agreement with Mexico I believe so this helps us avoid Duty payments on arrival in NZ.

[@sailingmilagro]

Glad I could be of assistance . If you find one and I’m in the same location I can have a quick look over for you

[@rosco950ss7]

@@sailingmilagro You’re a champion sir!

[@kathrynlockwood1180]

Thanks for making this video, We see one we really like near La Paz, but we would need to sail it back to California, but that is a very long ways.

[@sailingmilagro]

Happy you found the video useful . The trip from La Paz to Cali can be done ( subject to weather) in hops .

[@nufsed]

This a very informative video. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@sailingmilagro]

Yes lots of people have said it has helped with their decision to buy boats here in Mexico . In fact brokers in La Paz provide the link to the video to people who are considering buying here

[@jeremythompson1070]

Thanks much for the info. We’re starting to look for a boat in the SoC and you really provided some great info!

[@sailingmilagro]

Hi Jeremy, Glad I could be of help. if there is anything in La Paz I'm happy to take a first glance for you, I know the brokers pretty well. I have a friend of mine coming down in the Baja HaHa, hes looking for a boat when he gets here. He's crewing on a boat from Vancouver, hopefully the trip doesnt put him off !!!!

[@jeremythompson1070]

@@sailingmilagro Thanks! I may take you up on that. We're just getting started so it might be a few years before we're ready to buy.

[@jerrycallender-qm7zr]

Greetings from Tucson, Arizona. So happy to have discovered (and subscribed to) your channel. I'm looking at a few boats in San Carlos, on Yachtworld, and preparing a weekend trip to see them

[@sailingmilagro]

Thanks for watching channel , happy hunting in San Carlos , hope you find something . What are you looking for ?

[@jerrycallender7604]

My first choice is a Nauticat 44, but the only one I've found, with the configuration I like, is in Sweden. I like character and between a trawler and a cutter rigged sloop.. I prefer to sail but want a simple rig, watermaker and solar of course.. Saw a Hylas advertised in Mazatlan@@sailingmilagro

[@sailingmilagro]

Actually no one knows yet but Milagro is about to go on the market . Just finished sending the broker photos

[@ceenjay8576]

Thank you. Great insight sir!

[@sailingmilagro]

Glad it was helpful Curtis

[@indecent2486]

G’day Kevan, I bought a cat on La Paz 8 years ago, know exactly where you are.. I found the biggest issue was to get her registered in Australia … but got it done. I’m Presently trying to sell my current boat here in Aus and travelling back over to Mexico as I totally agree with your comments plus I want to spend a few years cruising the Baja etc… I’m now pushing 70 and no rush to get back.. fair winds and following seas mate.. love to stay in touch and catch up if and when o get there … Pete

[@sailingmilagro]

Thanks Pete, I registered her in NZ, it was much easier than Australia and cheaper. Looking forward to the Baja

[@Mexicantours]

I married a Mexican, I’m a resident, Hopefully I’ll find one with Mexican registration. A big advantage? Came down from Vancouver on a 32 Yamaha, to Panama carribian.

[@sailingmilagro]

Good luck in your search

[@andantekw]

Very useful and practical information. Thank you, Kevan!

[@sailingmilagro]

No worries mate , glad you found it useful

[@jean-francoislalonde6157]

Hello Kevan! My name is Frank. I live in Canada and I am in the process of buying a US boat through a titling agent. The boat is on the hard in Marina Seca in San Carlos. How do I go about the TIP?. (being on the hard) Thanks

[@sailingmilagro]

The current owner has to cancel the current TIP , or give you a letter giving you the authority to cancel the TIP when you are in Mexico . You will also need a photocopy of his passport . Once you are in Mexico you can employ an agent to handle the cancellation of the current TIP and organise the new one in your name . You will need the new registration document , you have to fill Out a form listing the serial Numbers of equipment on the boat , a copy of your tourist visa , a copy of your passport . I don’t think you need Mexican liability insurance certificate for the boat , not sure on this but you will need it to book slips in marinas . It’s also worth getting a captains letter from the current owner authorising you to use the boat if the new paperwork / registration is not come through when you take over the boat . Hope that helps . Using an agent for 250-400 us$ is money well spent and should avoid any pitfalls

[@peggycox600]

The agent in Ensenada quoted $1500 dollars plus $300 to cancel tip.

[@sailingmilagro]

A lot depends on where you registered and where the new owner registers . Sounds a lot . You could cancel your own TIP , it’s getting the new one that can be problematic

[@colcolough]

Great information, Kevan! One fine day, I hope I’ll be one of your Catalina 42 MKII brethren!!! Please keep an eye out if you see a good one! I’m looking!

[@sailingmilagro]

I certainly hope so Don. Ill mention your looking in my next video and post it on the Catalina sites.if you want me to.

[@jerrycallender7604]

You've answered many questions, but what 'bout registration? When I leave Tucson I have no thoughts 'bout returning to US.

[@sailingmilagro]

The boat will need to be registered somewhere , you need the registration to check into countries and check into marinas . Most people from the us register with the US Coastguard . Milagro is registered in New Zealand .

[@jerrycallender7604]

I'd contacted the Cayman Islands a few months ago and their fee was close to $10,000 plus $5,000 yearly. When I leave the US I'm leaving the US!@@sailingmilagro

[@passionforfree2755]

Hi Kevan- very interesting! We are in the process of buying a boat in Mexico. The boat is located in Mexico, registered in the US with a TIP. The owner is American. Do you know what the proper procedure would be in this case? Can the transfer of ownership be done with the boat staying in Mexico? How does it work with the TIP? It is our first boat so we would be very thankful for solid advice. Greetings form Mexico - Natasha

[@sailingmilagro]

first 0ff whose the broker you are buying the boat through. The financial transaction will take place with a maritime titling agent in the US. the boat can stay in Mexico. The titling agent will have to get the current US coastguard cancelled and if you are a US resident get a new title issued . if your not a US citizen you can register the boat in your own country. As far as the TIP is concerned the current owner will have to cancel the TIP you cannot get a new one until the old one is cancelled. Depending on who the broker is who sold the boat will effect the way you get the new TIP. There are ways of getting it without the boat having to go 60 miles offshore . the sale is supposed to be an offshore sale , ie not in mexican waters or ports. The work around to this costs about 300-450 US$ and is done by an agent in Esenada. it does depend on which broker sold the boat as to whether this option is viable.

[@passionforfree2755]

@@sailingmilagro Thank you so much for the information. This is very helpful. 🙂

[@sailingmilagro]

good luck with your new purchase

[@passionforfree2755]

@@sailingmilagro hola Kevan - I wonder if you can recommend any agent or broker who is able to deal with a boat sale in between two foreigners in Mexico with the vessel staying in Mexican waters? I think you mentioned something like this. Thanks - Natasha

[@sailingmilagro]

@@passionforfree2755 Richard Boran from La Paz Cruiser supply .

[@russtilton8515]

Hey Kevan, great videos. Thanks. Question: Do you know the best place or a broker contact on the Gulf of Mexico side of Mexico to pick up a used sailboat? And if you get one on the Pacific side is it even feasible to get it shipped to the Gulf side? Or would you end up going through the Panama canal? Thanks in advance, and thank you again for the videos.

[@sailingmilagro]

Sorry cant help with brokers on the Gulf side, I know most of the brokers on the pacific side. Think you will find cost of shipping or hiring a captain would be prohibitively expensive.. Think its around 25K to ship from Mexico to Canada, only happens once or maybe twice per eyar,

[@dennisquillen1038]

Very good information. So what you are saying is once the purchase is complete and the vessel is registered with the US Coast Guard you have no worries about bringing the boat back to the USA i.e. Customs? Does the same process work in Canada? Thanks for the great video on this.

[@sailingmilagro]

Yes the same process applies for Canada , the only difference is the maritime titling agent would be a canadian based on.

[@steveburke7675]

Does anyone know...I'm a US citizen and a Mexican Permanent Resident. Am I allowed to go through the normal TIP process as a permanent resident if I purchase a foreign registered boat in Mexico? TIA.

[@sailingmilagro]

Good question First off a boat on a TIP cannot be sold in Mexico . It has to be an offshore transaction . If you buy it offshore an import it as a Mexican citizen you will likely have to pay import duties . The best solution is to buy in offshore and register it in America , get the old TIP cancelled and apply for a new one using your US passport .

[@steveburke7675]

@@sailingmilagro I'm a Mexican Permanent Resident, not citizen. I am however a US citizen. My concern appeared when I became a resident and had to either sell my car outside of Mx, or nationalize the car...I did the latter and now have Jalisco plates. The boat I'm interested in is already registered with USCG with a TIP. Perhaps I need to see a lawyer...or at least talk to an experienced title agent. Thanks for your reply.

[@AfirmativoMedia_food-travel]

Where can I buy a sailboat in mexico 🇲🇽????? Can you direct me to web sites ??

[@sailingmilagro]

Yachtworld is your best bet, have a good search criteria, you can specify Mexico only, most boats are advertised there. You can also try La Paz Cruiser supply, La Paz Yachts, Vallarta yacht sales.

[@RobertoGonzalez-bm6hp]

Hi, did you find one? I have a1981 Watkins brothers 36 sailboat center cockpit, in Miami beach for sale, it is on craigslist, I had just reduced the price considerably, and she's loaded inside, watermaker, laundry room, super cold ac, etc. etc. she's very healthy and I'm the third oowner, if you aren't interested don't need to answer back, and please accept my apology. Roberto.

[@boboosdyke7038]

What are the slip costs in La Paz for a 42 ft catalina?

[@sailingmilagro]

Us$1200 a month including water and electricity

[@boboosdyke7038]

@@sailingmilagro are you on an yearly and is your boat and slip transferable?

[@sailingmilagro]

It’s a permanent slip and it’s transferable . I pay the monthly rate each month and if I go out cruising and leave the slip the marina sublet until I let them know I will be coming back . Then the subletter is made to vacate

[@boboosdyke7038]

@@sailingmilagro Excellent! I went through all your videos, very nicely done BTW. Very honest presentation.

[@sailingmilagro]

Thank you

[@davidlevitz3119]

great

[@sailingmilagro]

Thanks David

[@cyrussarraf4166]

Can you use financing from the US to buy a boat in Mexico?

[@sailingmilagro]

Sorry don’t know the answer to that

[@chardoneh]

Great video. Can we get a hold of you? An email perhaps? Thank you.

[@sailingmilagro]

Hi, [e-mail]

[@rickczainski9856]

What is the best way to search for boats there? I'm noe in the market.

[@sailingmilagro]

Hi Rick, yachtworld is where most boats are advertised. You can go to advanced search and put in your specifics including country. La paz are where the main marinas are located on the Baja side and Puerto Vallarta on the mainland, plus San Carlos. lost of boats are put on the hard for years in san carlos, its a bit of a boat graveyard.

[@panther105]

After seeing videos about people having their boats stolen or taken and held for ransom, I don't think I even want to visit that country. Mexico seems to be where many sailing dreams go to die. So many incomplete sailboats or repairs that were started but the owners ran out of money or enthusiasm...or both .!

[@sailingmilagro]

I must admit having cruised in Mexico for the last 12 years I cant say I have come across some of the issues you mention. Yes there are a more than a few boats here which havent been looked after, many on the hard at San Carlos. However as far as security and safety are concerned and knowing many cruisers none of had any issues. The marinas are jam packed full of Americans and Canadians.

[@azul_5157]

Fake news, statistics say you are siting bad sources compared to the rest of the world! I've been here for 7 years now, much safer than several other places I've been.

[@sopark434]

Subbed, # 613 : )

[@sailingmilagro]

Thank you