BajaNomad

Boat Question

BajaGlenn - 1-27-2022 at 07:09 AM

Just bought a used boat from out of state -- To late to get transferred to my name-- Az takes 2 months--I have the titles and a temp for the trailer--any problems going down and back for 6 week fishing ?? Only as far as Mulege--i already have the other papers==:light:

Thanks in advance--Glenn

4x4abc - 1-27-2022 at 08:01 AM

You will need to get the TIP for you boat
insurance required
some slips will require the TIP

Alan - 1-27-2022 at 08:06 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaGlenn  
Just bought a used boat from out of state -- To late to get transferred to my name-- Az takes 2 months--I have the titles and a temp for the trailer--any problems going down and back for 6 week fishing ?? Only as far as Mulege--i already have the other papers==:light:

Thanks in advance--Glenn
I don't know about AZ but in CA once you apply to transfer title and pay fees they provide a temporary title. With that in hand I wouldn't see any problems

Don Jorge - 1-27-2022 at 08:38 AM

Might prove very difficult to get the TIP without current registration of both trailer and boat in your name. My personal experiences are all at Otay and I would not even bother trying there without current title and registration in your name.

amigobaja - 1-27-2022 at 09:05 AM

Don't need tip in mulege

fishmaster - 1-27-2022 at 09:29 AM

Friend tried to cross a month ago without proper papers and was not allowed to bring boat into Mexico. They check my registration and TIP every time I cross.

boe4fun - 1-27-2022 at 10:14 AM

Quote: Originally posted by amigobaja  
Don't need tip in mulege

Incorrect, TIP is required if boat is ~14 1/2’ or longer.

AKgringo - 1-27-2022 at 10:25 AM

Quote: Originally posted by boe4fun  
Quote: Originally posted by amigobaja  
Don't need tip in mulege

Incorrect, TIP is required if boat is ~14 1/2’ or longer.


I apologize in advance for this brief hijack, but does that length exclude the outboard? My aluminum skiff is 13'7" without the motor, but exceeds the 14.5 length with it mounted.

JZ - 1-27-2022 at 10:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by fishmaster  
Friend tried to cross a month ago without proper papers and was not allowed to bring boat into Mexico. They check my registration and TIP every time I cross.


Do they actually ask to see the TIP at the border? Or just the registration?

I know the marinas will ask for a TIP and insurance.

JZ - 1-27-2022 at 04:07 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  


I apologize in advance for this brief hijack, but does that length exclude the outboard? My aluminum skiff is 13'7" without the motor, but exceeds the 14.5 length with it mounted.


A TIP is pretty easy to get if you have your state registration or coast guard certificate of documentation. They will want the original, not a copy. I learned that he hard way as I keep a color copy of my Coast Guard CoD on the boat. Not sure how they could tell, but they knew it was a copy.

If you really don't want to get a tip, just put the engine in the back of the truck if you are worried. I question whether they actually check at the border for a TIP.

The place you will get checked for a TIP is if you want to rent a slip at a marina. Which you won't do with that size boat and could just use the dinghy dock in the unlikely event you did take it to a marina.

BajaGlenn - 1-27-2022 at 07:17 PM

Any chance to get TIP down there?? Thanks for the info--20 ft boat --i forgot to add that thanks Glenn

Don Jorge - 1-27-2022 at 07:39 PM

Yes, at least at Otay and Tecate, they will ask for current registration and the TIP. If you dont have the TIP you will be required to get it. That requires original title and current registration in your name on boat and it's trailer too.

You cannot leave secondary southbound without the TIP.
Also be certain of the VIN location on your trailer and the Hull ID manufactures plate on your boat. They will match those numbers to your registrations.

Best to just get everything in order and then you will find it a plesant and easy process.

boe4fun - 1-28-2022 at 12:33 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
Quote: Originally posted by boe4fun  
Quote: Originally posted by amigobaja  
Don't need tip in mulege

Incorrect, TIP is required if boat is ~14 1/2’ or longer.


I apologize in advance for this brief hijack, but does that length exclude the outboard? My aluminum skiff is 13'7" without the motor, but exceeds the 14.5 length with it mounted.


TIP is for the boat only. 13’7” won’t require one. I had my Gregor 13’6” for several years in BCS, never had a problem.

JZ - 1-28-2022 at 12:54 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Don Jorge  
Yes, at least at Otay and Tecate, they will ask for current registration and the TIP. If you dont have the TIP you will be required to get it. That requires original title and current registration in your name on boat and it's trailer too.

You cannot leave secondary southbound without the TIP.
Also be certain of the VIN location on your trailer and the Hull ID manufactures plate on your boat. They will match those numbers to your registrations.

Best to just get everything in order and then you will find it a plesant and easy process.



Thanks for that. Interesting that they are checking at the border.

But for sure you don't need the title to the boat to get a TIP. State registration or Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation.


BajaGlenn - 2-1-2022 at 07:15 PM

Any one know if i can get the TIP going thru Mexicali?? Thats the only hold up now is trailer reg-and plate-suppose to be in the mail??? Thanks again Glenn

JZ - 2-1-2022 at 07:37 PM

Should be able to get one at the Banjército office there.

It's listed in Google Maps. Go at an off peak time, as these offices only have a few workers and can get very backed up.

Calz. Abelardo L Rodriguez S/N, Alamitos, 21210 Mexicali, B.C., Mexico

gnukid - 2-1-2022 at 07:54 PM

Mexicali Calexico East has a Banjercito office for TIP and INM for FMM but border closes at 2pm last time I crossed. I tried to go West and was turned back to go East with boat?

JZ - 2-1-2022 at 07:58 PM

The East one is what I posted.

Alan - 2-2-2022 at 10:27 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaGlenn  
Any chance to get TIP down there?? Thanks for the info--20 ft boat --i forgot to add that thanks Glenn
Yes in La Paz. Go to the ferry bldg at Pichilingue

gallesram - 2-2-2022 at 06:47 PM

I used someone in Ensenada who will do the paperwork for you and you don't need to be present. Her name is Michelle Aguillar (info@bcconnection.com.mx) and her website is www.bcconnection.com.mx. Everything is done through email and she'll email you the TIP same day. It was $260 but the TIP is good for 10 years.

JZ - 2-2-2022 at 08:22 PM

Quote: Originally posted by gallesram  
I used someone in Ensenada who will do the paperwork for you and you don't need to be present. Her name is Michelle Aguillar (info@bcconnection.com.mx) and her website is www.bcconnection.com.mx. Everything is done through email and she'll email you the TIP same day. It was $260 but the TIP is good for 10 years.


This is fantastic info!

I know the marinas will do it for you. I have a new boat and was planning to call Marina Coral in Ensenada to see if they could help. Thought I'd have to take the boat there from San Diego via the ocean..

Thank you for posting this.

Don’t waste your time -disappointment awaits you

Lengua - 2-3-2022 at 08:21 PM

Baja Glenn , you need the registration and title to both the trailer and boat to be in your name . Then move forward with the TIP and make copies of your new registration or titles and put together a 3 ring binder .Get organized, do it right. Then again , you could do all the prep work ,get ready to go and being really disappointed at the border. Or maybe but highly unlikely , you’ll get lucky and get through….NOT!!

Tip: once you get through we have everything in a spiral binder with tabs. Truck and trailer title, Boat title and registration, fishing licenses,Baja and Oregon insurance and other pertinent docs you may find important during your travels. Black and white copies is all we use.

Not trying to be a kill joy -all the best and when you go , have fun….

JZ - 2-3-2022 at 09:51 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Lengua  
Baja Glenn , you need the registration and title to both the trailer and boat to be in your name . Then move forward with the TIP and make copies of your new registration or titles and put together a 3 ring binder .Get organized, do it right. Then again , you could do all the prep work ,get ready to go and being really disappointed at the border. Or maybe but highly unlikely , you’ll get lucky and get through….NOT!!

Tip: once you get through we have everything in a spiral binder with tabs. Truck and trailer title, Boat title and registration, fishing licenses,Baja and Oregon insurance and other pertinent docs you may find important during your travels. Black and white copies is all we use.

Not trying to be a kill joy -all the best and when you go , have fun….


This is definitely not true regarding title. I've gotten two boat TIPs over the years.

I showed them my coast guard certificate of documentation (CoD) and the registration to my trailer. You either get a state or CoD registration for your boat (if it is over 5 Net Volume Tons, minimum size required do federal registration instead of state).

So, you have to show them state registration or CoD. No one ever asked me to show them the "title."

I'm gotten about 10+ TIPs for my truck. As to go to Sonora if you have dirt bikes, trailer, SXS, etc you need a 6-month TIP for your truck and add on the other stuff to it. I've only ever needed to show the registration for the truck and toys.


[Edited on 2-4-2022 by JZ]

BajaGlenn - 2-4-2022 at 06:48 PM

AZ quit giving titles for boats trailers and cars or trucks last year--I/m still waiting for the boat trailer reg and plate:fire: and wondering if it is worth the hassell!! Thanks everyone for the advice BTW--Glenn

Don Jorge - 2-5-2022 at 04:08 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaGlenn  
AZ quit giving titles for boats trailers and cars or trucks last year--I/m still waiting for the boat trailer reg and plate:fire: and wondering if it is worth the hassell!! Thanks everyone for the advice BTW--Glenn

If you get the registrations in your name you should be good to know. As JZ mentioned, you do not, probably, need the title in hand for the boat and trailer TIP if registrations are valid.

Regarding ADOT lagging on paperwork, have you tried AAA auto club. In CA they are the quick and easy go to for registrations. How about there in AZ?

And about, "wondering if it is worth the hassell!!" Yes it is! If you can't get the paperwork in order this time then maybe next time.

It is so nice to be able to go out on a pleasant afternoon on a whim w/o the hassle of who can take me? It is so nice to be able to go out when you want, where you want, with whom you want, to do what you want.

Fishing, snorkeling, sightseeing, picnicking on the beach are all possible on the same day. Having your own boat keeps you on and in the ocean and for some that's a big part of the gig.

Yes, it is worth it!

JZ - 2-5-2022 at 05:24 PM

AAA is definitely the way to go for registration and title paperwork.

10x faster than the DMV for visits. Even in crowded LA I can typically be talking to someone in 5 mins.