7 replies to this topic

[Sierra Casa]

I am wanting to bring a boat from the US to Lake Chapala. What is the proper procedures? Thanks in advance for those who can help.

[RVGRINGO]

What type and size of boat? There are no true marinas, fuel docks or many launch sites. Where will you store a boat?
Other than that; yes, you can bring one on a trailer as a recreational item on a temporary importation permit. Neither the trailer or boat can be sold in Mexico.

[elbelgicano]

What type and size of boat? There are no true marinas, fuel docks or many launch sites. Where will you store a boat?
Other than that; yes, you can bring one on a trailer as a recreational item on a temporary importation permit. Neither the trailer or boat can be sold in Mexico.

Hi RV Gringo,.... so happy to meet you here again. We missed you !!
Rony

[solajijic]

There are more rules than RV has indicated. There is registration procedure with paperwork which you will have to have at the border to come inland. If you search for the rules note that the requirements in Baja are different. I will try to dig up the link to the rules.

My boat is still in storage on lake Erie because there isn't anywhere here at Lake Chapala it can be left in the water and because it is wood it can't come in and out. And there are no lifts, no marine repair (although I don't think repair is a problem even for the wood boat) and only a few casual marinas for day tripping. So he is right on services. This is a 63 Chris Craft Sea Skiff, 28 feet, 10 beam and 15-18 inch draft. Perfect for the lake, no where to put it in.



Found it: http://www.mexonline.com/boatmex.htm and in lieu of a marina office to register the boat you must register with the Port Authority of Chapala, in Chapala across from Crisitina Park. He has told me it must be registered before hand and I must have a SPECIFIC place it is going to be kept so he can check on it to make sure it hasn't gone to the coast or been sold. Go figure. He said I would have to have the registration at the border with the boat to come in because it was inland, not Baja bound. Also that if I had a dually haul it the truck from the US couldn't cross with it I would have to find someone from this side to meet it at the border and haul it to here.

Edited by solajijic, 23 May 2012 - 04:58 PM.

[redpepper]

Doesn't look like it is much more than bringing in a car. There are places to put in and take out. This has been discussed before and there are some that don't like boats or anyone to have fun.........
.

[halcon]

yes , it's about how big a boat. i know three decent launch sites. 1. ajijic nice but costs
2. san juan cosala, still costs. 3 chapala , free. there are lots more but not for strangers.
lake chapala is extremely shallow right now. a good time to survey snags etc. but tricky
boating, and launching. get ALL nessecary documents in quadduplicate and still anticipate
hang ups. you could probably anchor in chapala at your own risk. once again SIZE.

[traderspoc]

sell the boat do not bring it


Theres are fishing traps all over lake chapala, made of rebar, just under surface of water.

many shallow spots.


Just heard from the sailing club, of a inboard motor hitting a fish trap, 40,000 pesos damage

[halcon]

you could do that, and buy one here there are some for sale. the lake will fill again and it will be georgeous and fun.