Trailer boat to Mexico Baja

[northern]

Has any one trailered their boat to Mexico? If yes what is required and do you have any advice on what is to be expected. Boat is 21 feet on a double axle trailer pull vehicle is V8 Envoy Denali 4X4. We want to take it Loreto in the Baja.

 

[SR400DB]

We did it in the late 90's with an 18' whaler, as I recall it was no problem at least at that time, nothing special required. I would do some research, friends have said the nicer cars attract some attention from the gangs once you cross the border. Your Denali may qualify. We are planning a trip down to Cabo next year. At this point we are going to bypass Ensenada due to the issues going on there. Just my .02

 

[jpk33]

You might to mount a .50 cal on the bow (just sayin'). I would check with the mexican consulate and the US Border Patrol/Customs before you go so you dont have issues when you encounter local officials (demanding$$) or crossing the border upon your return!

 

[KIMO]

Northern,

All the vitriolic criticism aside, Baja is an incredible place.

Have not trailered a big boat, but have pulled a trailer full of kayaks down to Scammon's Lagoon, Magdalena Bay and Bahia de Los Angeles to paddle with the Ballena Gris (grey whales). It has been about six years since my last trip (old age catching up…), so I may be slightly out of date.

As they say, the journey is the best part of the trip. Traffic near the border is usually a little exciting, but once past Ensenada thins out. The roadways are a mixed bag. Sometimes narrow and shoulderless, sometimes in need of repair, but for the most part OK. One concern are the Mexican buses and large trucks who roar along (way too fast in my opinion) and not always on their own side. No matter what, be prepared to take it slow and easy (you'll see a lot more cool stuff that way too) and never, never drive after dusk.

The land and ocean as you pass almost always breathtaking. Catavina is one of our favorite places, the boulders there worth hundreds of photos. Another great spot, although off your direct route, is the peninsula west of Guerrero Negro, There is a beach there literally covered with whale ribs and a vertebra, glass fishing floats from as far away as Japan and every kind of flotsam and jetsam imaginable.

I have heard stories of banditios on the road and would be concerned if traveling today. Most of what I hear is anecdotal, but I'm sure some of it happens. If I was to go today, I would not do it with a solo vehicle. A small group (3-4 plus vehicles) in convoy is much safer …not just from violence, but mostly in case of running out of gas or breakdown. Gas stations (PEMEX), are not like here in the US. Sometimes they are as much as 70+ miles apart, often have lines, are sometimes sold out, and since the prices are in pesos usually involve a little negation of exchange rate (which we think is kind of fun: the attendant does math in the dust on one of your windows, we pull out a little calculator, push a bunch of buttons, and hopefully, all go away happy). CB radios are a must, and before you go, make sure your cell phone will work in Mexico. Internet is/was very limited.

For the most part the people you meet are super nice. But, you must remember, they are busy with lives very different from ours, often have limited knowledge of things beyond their locale and while they try to be helpful in every way, are not there for your convenience or to entertain you.

If you want to find out more, here are some ways you might try:

Auto Club (www.aaa.com): Absolute first stop, great resources!

Vagabundos del Mar (www.vagabundos.com): A great boat and travel club for Baja

most big bookstores or Amazon: tons of books on every topic (boating, fishing, adventuring, trailering, …) imaginable for Baja. Fantastic maps and guides.

Google: Pick almost any topic, add the word Baja, and someone has written about it.

Just thinking about it, I'm already envious…

 

[The Bill Collector]

No personal experience driving down, but with all of the horror stories going on.... is it worth the risk ???