BajaNomad

Crossing the border with a 10' wide boat

doublelimits - 2-4-2011 at 05:54 PM

I am planning on trailering my 27' x 10' boat to BOLA in a few months and I am looking for a little first hand knowledge about the widths between the booths/pillars/camera/etc. both entering Mexico and returning to the U.S. I have done this previously by entering at the regular Otay crossing and returning through the Otay Commercial facility with prior written permission.

I have been through San Ysidro both directions fairly recently without this boat and it looks like a no go. It has been a few years since I have been through Tecate but I am posative the northbound auto lanes will not work, Is the comercial facility open? Also how is the southbound entry into Mex at Tecate?

I may just take a day and go for a drive without the boat and cross at Tecate and bring my tape measure and talk to the officials at each location and see what they say.

Anybody else have any input?

Thanks,
Doug

msteve1014 - 2-4-2011 at 06:10 PM

I have seen bigger boats not make it through San Ysidro, not pretty. I would stick to what has worked before. Your right, Tecate north will not go, southbound, I have no idea, but that is a lot of twisty road after you get through. Good luck.

David K - 2-4-2011 at 06:20 PM

Hwy. 1 south of San Quintin is only 19' wide with no shouders or pullout on most of the run. That is half the distance to Bahia de L.A. and only some of that narrow part has been recently widened to safe standards... Much of it is against cliffs or dropoffs and other parts are elevated on a levee high above the desert floor.

Just warning you... Be safe!



Hard enough towing a normal size boat!>>>

[Edited on 2-5-2011 by David K]

DSCF0034 copy.jpg - 26kB

Alan - 2-4-2011 at 06:40 PM

David K is being kind as there is at least some suggestion of a shoulder in these photos. Unfortunately shoulders are actually pretty rare. You can see what you have to work with in these pictures of 8' widths. What is your plan for your extra 2' when a semi comes the other way?

DENNIS - 2-4-2011 at 06:55 PM

They transport Mobile Homes so there has to be a way. I don't know where you are, but a Mobile Home business in Rosarito and NOB in Hemet could probably answer all your questions. The place is called Ma Williams.
You should be able to research their contact info. Give them a call.

Gunga Din

Dave - 2-4-2011 at 07:01 PM

You're a better man than I...

I wouldn't attempt a 10 ft beam without a lead and chase vehicle. No way...No how.

DENNIS - 2-4-2011 at 08:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Dave
I wouldn't attempt a 10 ft beam without a lead and chase vehicle. No way...No how.


Neither would I. I'm sure it will be a permit load. Come to think of it, the trailer movers have trucks with signs running interferience.

Better take that boat to Ensenada in the water and ship it down.

Pompano - 2-4-2011 at 08:30 PM

We trailered an 11ft X 32ft Bertram flybridge sportfisher twin diesel down the Baja Road in 1988. Piece of cake with front and rear escorts.

This was long before the highway was widened.

In Baja, anything is possible. Endeavor to persevere.

Roberto - 2-4-2011 at 08:38 PM

I have done this (several times) towing a 9.5' beam boat behind me.

First of all, this was before the new entry lanes at San Ysidro, but it was no problem, north or south. Once I was across the border, I stopped in Ensenada and waited for nightfall, then continued my journey. For the most part, the vehicles I crossed were trucks, and they were unfailingly professional and accomodating.

Plus, I drove SLOWLY, and I made it down just fine.

BajaGringo - 2-4-2011 at 08:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano
We trailered an 11ft X 32ft Bertram flybridge sportfisher twin diesel down the Baja Road in 1988. Piece of cake with front and rear escorts.

This was long before the highway was widened.

In Baja, anything is possible. Endeavor to persevere.


I have seen several wide loads heading down this part of the highway and the few that didnīt have front/rear escorts were stopped along the highway by the federales de caminos.

It is very doable with the support vehicles and some patience - very dangerous without them...

doublelimits - 2-4-2011 at 09:55 PM

Thanks for the input so far,
It really is not so bad if you take your time and have a lead car with radios and signs/flags. It is vey comforting to know when you can use the road and when to slow down and tuck it in. And it is true, the trucks are usually very accomodating, it is the busses that seem to be more " on a schedule". The borders are the part that I am wanting to be sure of.

Salsa - 2-4-2011 at 10:05 PM

I would dunk it in San Diego and run it to Ensenada and put it back on the trailer.

Now, what do we do about the trailer?

Don

[Edited on 2-5-2011 by Salsa]

doublelimits - 2-4-2011 at 10:19 PM

Don,
I have considered that, the trailer is only 8' wide

mtgoat666 - 2-4-2011 at 11:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Salsa
I would dunk it in San Diego and run it to Ensenada and put it back on the trailer.

Now, what do we do about the trailer?

Don

[Edited on 2-5-2011 by Salsa]


why? sd to ensenada is the easy part, 4-lane divided hwy.

probably easier to put in water at north end of SOC, say in san felipe or puerto penasco, and float rest of the way down SOC.

bill erhardt - 2-5-2011 at 07:24 AM

doublelimits,

This is from an email from a friend who towed his 25' x 8.5' boat north from Loreto last week and crossed at San Ysidro:

".....Got back to San Diego OK with the boat, the trip went good. The boat is really stable driving with it, makes for a better trip. Only hitch, was I got in the wrong lane at the border, & the boat would not fit through the yellow poles leading up to the gate. So we had to back up about a 100 ft to move over one lane................There are 2 RV gates (21 & 22) far left side at San Ysidro, they want you to use those as it is not necessary to make any turn after you go through the gate....."

capt. mike - 2-5-2011 at 07:24 AM

why even richard with it??
hire it done professionally. and it will be insured for the haul if you set it up right.

i only towed once and it was a white knuckle deal, 8.5 ft width and 35' length. With the tow rig i was longer than a std semi rig.

never again. ain't worth it if/when sumthin goes gunny bag on ya.

RnR - 2-5-2011 at 07:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bill erhardt
................There are 2 RV gates (21 & 22) far left side at San Ysidro, they want you to use those as it is not necessary to make any turn after you go through the gate....."


Yes, there are two RV gates at the extreme left of the San Ysidro crossing and it is straight ahead onto I-5 after you clear the entry kiosk. UNLESS they decide to send you into secondary. Then they make you turn right AGAINST ten lanes of traffic and weave around into the secondary area at the FAR RIGHT of the buildings. This has happened to us the last two times pulling a 28 ft travel trailer. It's an interesting experience, to say the least.

Good Luck.

grizzlyfsh95 - 2-5-2011 at 08:36 AM

I would love to know of anyone who has hired professionals to tow a boat (11X28) on a triple axel (8ft) trailer to San Felipe and drop it in. I would then tow the trailer down to the East Cape and motor the boat down the Cortez. Planning this for next year.

Pompano - 2-5-2011 at 08:57 AM

Throwing this in the pot:

Trailer it to San Carlos....launch and motor boat across Cortez to BOLA...have your buddy drive tow/trailer empty to BOLA.

'Okay..okay, a convoluted route, yes....but sure would be fun if the fish were biting along the way! :rolleyes:

bigzaggin - 2-5-2011 at 09:20 AM

BTW - Dave, Capt.Mike - what is a "NOTABLE" Nomad? Not that I'll ever get there, but did the rankings change?

DENNIS - 2-5-2011 at 09:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bigzaggin
BTW - Dave, Capt.Mike - what is a "NOTABLE" Nomad? Not that I'll ever get there, but did the rankings change?


And a few others. I've been asking the same thing. Perhaps Doug is trying to do away with class distinction. :lol:

David K - 2-5-2011 at 09:41 AM

What does user rankings have to do with towing a 10' boat? You guys need to ask Doug... When he changed mine, he asked if it was okay with me... It is just something Doug wants to do... it is his web site afterall!

mcfez - 2-5-2011 at 10:20 AM

Why not take it to the San Felipe harbor and sail to BOLA that is a easy sail in a matter of hours? San Felipe harbor has all that you need. The Highway route is superior

DENNIS - 2-5-2011 at 11:17 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
What does user rankings have to do with towing a 10' boat? You guys need to ask Doug... When he changed mine, he asked if it was okay with me... It is just something Doug wants to do... it is his web site afterall!


It's just a small-talk diversion, David. Besides, what do you care? And where do come of with your scolding crap? Don't tell us how to act here. It's not your gosh darnm business.
The topic doesn't merit a thread of it's own so we'll talk about when and where we want.

GawwwDammmm, David......Sometimes you are such a control freak byitch.

Dave - 2-5-2011 at 11:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
When he changed mine, he asked if it was okay with me... It is just something Doug wants to do... it is his web site afterall!


Well...Nobody asked ME about it.

I'm a sensitive guy. It'll take months for me to adjust to being 'notable'. Guess I'll have to double up on my meds.

DENNIS - 2-5-2011 at 11:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Dave
Well...Nobody asked ME about it.

I'm a sensitive guy. It'll take months for me to adjust to being 'notable'. Guess I'll have to double up on my meds.


You'll never be the same. Changing one's name in advanced age will only serve to ruin his self esteem.
Med up....if you have any dangerous thoughts, call DK and he'll brow-beat you back to reality. :lol:

dtbushpilot - 2-5-2011 at 11:37 AM

I want to be "notable". How many posts does it take to be "notable"?...

What does it really imply anyway? Does it mean that I should "take note" or "take notes" when a notable poster posts? :lol::lol:......dt

[Edited on 2-5-2011 by dtbushpilot]

DENNIS - 2-5-2011 at 11:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by dtbushpilot
I want to be "notable". How many posts does it take to be "notable"?....dt


It's not about post counts. It's more about achievements such as drinking yourself into a temporary coma at Hussong's or another of your favorite taverns. :biggrin:

dtbushpilot - 2-5-2011 at 12:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by dtbushpilot
I want to be "notable". How many posts does it take to be "notable"?....dt


It's not about post counts. It's more about achievements such as drinking yourself into a temporary coma at Hussong's or another of your favorite taverns. :biggrin:


In that case I've been "notable" for many years.....where do I apply for my "notable" upgrade?........wait a minute, this may not BE an upgrade......

DENNIS - 2-5-2011 at 12:17 PM

Anyone who feels like responding to the "ten foot ark" on hwy-1 part of this thread, feel free to jump right in. There's room for everybody.

msteve1014 - 2-5-2011 at 01:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Anyone who feels like responding to the "ten foot ark" on hwy-1 part of this thread, feel free to jump right in. There's room for everybody.


Naw, I just want to know what Dave was before he became "notable"

comitan - 2-5-2011 at 01:43 PM

msteve1014



( Negotiable)\

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

David K - 2-5-2011 at 01:58 PM

Quote:
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS


It's just a small-talk diversion, David. Besides, what do you care? And where do come of with your scolding crap? Don't tell us how to act here. It's not your gosh darnm business.
The topic doesn't merit a thread of it's own so we'll talk about when and where we want.

GawwwDammmm, David......Sometimes you are such a control freak byitch.


Wow, do you seriously think I am scolding anyone (ever)??? Or is this just another attempt at humor... and I just don't get it?? :lol::light:

I was trying to do the OP a favor, that's all! Chill!

DavidE - 2-5-2011 at 02:26 PM

Three meter width is a permit load. SCT rutas primeras allow rigs with twin 40' trailers, and Mex 1 isn't one of them south of Ensenada.

Permit loads, require flapping flags on extremities of the load, a chase and follow vehicle with flashing lights.

DENNIS - 2-5-2011 at 02:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by msteve1014
Naw, I just want to know what Dave was before he became "notable"


He was a Prancing Nomad. It was only supposed to last a little while. :lol:


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Cypress - 2-5-2011 at 02:47 PM

Hauling a 10'wide load down Hwy.1 is asking for trouble. You can prance around it, dance around it or stumble around it. It's gonna be a hairy experience.;D

captkw - 2-5-2011 at 02:49 PM

:lol: OOOOO MMMMYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!:lol:

DavidE - 2-5-2011 at 05:11 PM

Let's see, working 24 hours a day and creating a post every two minutes it would take almost five weeks banging away at a keyboard to become an honored nomad.

let's all stop this nonsense here....

mcfez - 2-5-2011 at 05:19 PM

Just address me as Sir Ultra Nomad Mcfez