I agree with pretty much everything that has been written so far. I bought my
boat in
San Carlos and kept it there for 3 years before hauling back to
california.
1. As mentioned, get mexican auto
insurance. Their rates are based on value of car and length of stay.
2. When entering Mx it is prudent to stop and get your entry visa. Many times i skipped getting it. But one evening i got pulled over in
San Carlos within a quarter of mile of the restaurant we ate at. How many drinks tonight, Senor? One
beer, Sir. Maybe, Senor, we need to take you to police station to see what your breath alcohol is? This is clearly a shake down for
money ( Mordita). If you are in
Mexico and they ask for your entry visa and you skipped getting it...ai chee wow wow! Now they can have some real fun with you. Always get your entry visa. When crossing at Nogales, south of Tucson, there is a gov't station at about kilometer 23 (??) {can't remember exactly}....not worth the risk to go without. Yet, I have done it and many do. You have been warned.
3. You will need to apply for a TIP. It is basically an
import tax. You will need to have all the documents proving you own the
boat. Know where you HIN (Hull Identification Number) is. Never lose these documents because they are very important when it comes to Marina's book keeping, Federal tax collectors, local govt agencies that get involved with policing the Marina's residents.
4. Walk to the restaurants if it will be dark after dinner is finished.
Before sailing west....you need to go to the
Sea of Cortez. IMO it is one of rarest gems on the planet. Hospitable people, amazing desert landscapes, primitive, and very few people. SOC vortex is real. Many people get down to LaPaz and never leave for points west.
Wish you the best. Oh, download the app for border wait times. It is a very hand app....I copied/paste for you...
http://bwt.cbp.gov