Boat permits - read me

Posted By: Tom Reubens
Date: 10/25/07 9:04p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: permits to take sailboat from AZ to Rocky Point? (Steve)

I have taken boats into San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico many times. I keep my C-22 in S.C. I live in Tucson. I have a ten Year Importation Permit $52.00 U.S.D., it's required for all boats over 16' or was last December. The rules change a lot! You won't need tourist permits or car permits to go to Rocky point it's in the free zone. You should take Veh. reg. boat reg. & trailer reg. The tow veh. & towed trailer have to be registered to the same person and all people on the reg/titles have to be present or you won't be allowed in. Oddly enough they weren't concerned much with the boat reg. at Mexican migra. they are at the marinas and insurance company. Of course this applies only if they stop you at entry. Better safe than sorry. Make copies of everything, two of each, or pay to have it done there. Have your motor serial numbers written down. You may not need any permits in the zone, but it's best to go prepared for the worst case. In any event $20.00 talks loudly and when in Rome... You need to have Mexican car insurance AND boat insurance or they won't let you launch. Liability only is o.k. The catch is you can't get it at the border and you have to buy 6 months min. most places. My friend imported a 48' ketch to Rocky Point, it's still there and tied up in legal hassle to this day! Adios boat! My advice is go to San Carlos, MUCH more recreational boat friendly and many more boats, with a world class marina. You can get everything to import your boat at kilometer 21 south of Nogales, Use the Mariposa truck entry point AZ 89 or 85 I think. it's will dump you right on to Mex. Hi-way 15. It goes all the way to Mexico City D.F. Good toll road all the way. Aprox. $32 U.S.D. round trip to S.C. Rocky Point is a work boat harbor with little of interest except tour boats. The scenery at S.C. is hands down the best with the coast 55 miles north fantastic. R.P. is flat and ugly by comparison. The distance difference to S.C. is negligible, and you'll enjoy the town more unless you like the hard core party scene then choose R.P. It's gringolandia and rip offs abound. email me treubens@gmail.com if you need more info or help w/S.C. as a destination. Ignore the above advice AT YOUR PEIRL! It could ruin your trip otherwise. Adios y buena surte!