BajaNomad

Registering a Boat

Bajatripper - 2-3-2014 at 04:51 PM

Anyone register a boat in BCS recently? I seem to recall that some years ago one only needed to go out to Pichilingue with the boat's paperwork and not very much money to get a boat nationalized, but I'd be surprised if that was still the case. I have a boat in La Paz that I'm thinking about selling, but it isn't registered. It would probably be easier to find a national buyer.

Anyone know the current regulations?

Thanks

paranewbi - 2-3-2014 at 07:55 PM

Not a boat person but saw this on discover Baja February News letter:


Be aware that the temporary boat importation laws have changed for Baja and now every boat over 4.5 meters (15 feet) that will be going down to Baja needs to have a temporary boat import permit. Inflatable boats that can collapse and fit into a bag are the only boats that are exempt from this law. Jet skis, kayaks, canoes, wave runners, etc. are also exempt. If you are a “persona fisica” (physical person, NOT a company), below are the steps that you will need to take.

To get your temporary boat importation, you will need to stop at the border on your way into Baja with your boat and have your paperwork in order. You can go into the Aduanas (customs) building at the border and they will direct you to the Banjercito where you will pay and get your permit.

You will need to cross at the Otay Mesa or Tecate border crossings (you are NOT able to get your permit at the San Ysidro, El Chaparral, port of entry).

You will need to have the boat and the following paperwork with you. You need to have the original AND a copy of each of these items as you will be asked to turn in the copies in order to get your permit.

-Passport or Passport Card
-FMM, temporary resident or permanent resident visa
-Boat registration or title
-Motor serial number
-If there is a lienholder on the boat, you will need to have a letter from the lienholder granting permission to take the vessel to Mexico

The fee is $52.20 and can be paid in pesos, dollars or by Visa or Mastercard. The permit is good for 10 years (and is good for multiple entry).

If your boat is already in Baja, you will need to go to Pichilingue in La Paz with your boat and the above paperwork to complete this process. Only the owner of the boat can complete this process for the boat at Pichilingue (they will not allow a power of attorney).

Otay hours: Mon-Sat: 8am-9pm, Sun 9am-6pm
Tecate hours: 8am-4pm every day
Pichilingue hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat: 7am-3pm, Tues, Thur: 7am-5pm, Sun: 8:30am-4:30pm

Most marinas also require on-the-water boat liability insurance, which Discover Baja can provide.

Cliffy - 2-4-2014 at 08:36 PM

Is the new import program for all trailer boats going to baja even for a week or 2 or is it for those that will be spending months or years in Baja without leaving?
I can see this being a problem for those just wanting to go to BOLA or San Felipe for a few days.
And if your boat is in BOLA you have to drag it to La Paz? I'm confused.

latina - 2-5-2014 at 06:51 AM

Bajatripper, that is still the case. Just did it in December. It is painless as long as you have the required paperwork. If your boat arrived here from another country and you are an extranjero you are supposed to have the TIP, clearly displayed on the vessel. It's good for 10 years...
If you are outside of Baja and planning your trip you can get your TIP online in advance and sent to your home address, so your paperwork will be in order when you cross...
Cliffy, you don't have to drag your boat, only yourself and your paperwork to the Banjercito to get the tip, if the boat is already in Mexico. I don't know if this transaction can done at any Banjercito or only at the ports of La Paz and Ensenada....

Hook - 2-5-2014 at 07:41 AM

Just be aware that in the recent TIP sweep, they were also making sure that you had current registration in the country of origin. So, if the boat is not currently registered, it COULD be a problem.

And if your intent is to sell the boat, a TIP might become more of a headache to the purchaser, as it needs to be turned in.

This is the type of question that would fit on the new Baja Boating Board.

Bajatripper - 2-5-2014 at 02:33 PM

Thanks for the info, guys and gals, I appreciate every response.

Cliffy - 2-5-2014 at 03:15 PM

latina thanks! Still seems its going to be a problem for folks wanting to drag their trailer boat from USA to BOLA for a few days or couple of weeks fishing. So the process now is to stop in Ensenada and get another permit for the boat on your way to BOLA? OK something more to learn. AHHH, the fun of traveling! I really can't blame them as it's their country and similar stuff is done all over the world.

Martyman - 2-5-2014 at 05:11 PM

So...let's suppose I have a boat in BOLA. Can I register it in Ensenada next time I come through or do I have to go get the boat and bring it to LaPaz or Ensenada.
In other words, can I get my TIP with just the paperwork and not the boat in Ensenada? Where do I go in Ensenada to get my TIP?
Thanks!

Martyman - 2-7-2014 at 04:18 PM

bump

Hook - 2-7-2014 at 04:33 PM

I believe you can get a tip through the Banjercito site and have it sent to your home. You just need the details on the boat when you input it online.

latina covered this above. I dont have a link to the site. I got mine down here.