Keeping boat in Puerto Vallarta

[suiramor]

I am planning to sail my boat from Seattle to PV., Mexico and keeping her there for +-1 year, flying back to Seattle for some of that time and exploring the area other times. What are the practical/regulatory issues I should plan for: insurance beyond/different to what I need in US? how to ensure I have moorage when I get there? any special visa requirements (I am US)? anything else?

[PaulSommers]

Insurance: you can buy basic Mexican liability insurance online - Chubb and others, or you can search for Novamar in Puerto Vallarta, a reputable insurance broker.

Marinas: 3 good options are Marina Vallarta, Paradise Village Marina, and Riviera Nayarit at La Cruz. All 3 are readily found with a Google search.

[JPA Cate]

A year will include hurricane season. PV has not been hit for a while, but has in the past. It would be a concern, especially with regards to insurance.

Ann

[GordMay]

Every boat over 4.5 meters [14.7 feet] going Mexico needs to have a Temporary Boat Import Permit [TIP]; which is good for 10 years [&for multiple entries].
You can go online, to Banjercito, to apply for the permit [variable fee ±1,200 pesos, or about $55.00 USD]
If you are crossing into Mexico by sea, and going south of Ensenada, you can get a Mexican tourist permit [FMM], and have it validated at the first port of entry.
If you will be crossing into Mexico by sea, but not going south of Ensenada, and not stopping on land, you will need to obtain a nautical FMM tourist permit.
FMMs are good for 180 days.

Banjercito TIP ➥ https://www.banjercito.com.mx/registroVehiculos/#

FMM Tourist Permit ➥ https://www.gob.mx/inm/acciones-y-pr...utical-tourism

[rbrazil]

We stayed at various Mexican marinas over the past 5 years and have used Novamar as our insurance company with no restrictions as to were we kept the boat during hurricane season. This may have recently changed, however! Please check with them. US insurance was a royal pain in the butt. We quickly changed to Novamar who have been excellent to deal with. (We’ve had no claims)
Regarding marina's in PV. Paradise Village (Harbormaster Dick Markie and Gina) are great! You could contact them once underway. It’s very difficult to make a marina reservation ahead of time. WAAAY to many variables! They are best at giving you a slip when you are relatively close. I know this sounds scary, but we’ve never had an issue getting a slip. The La Cruz marina always had empty slips available, and could be your back up plan. Its a wonderful two hour or so sail from Paradise Village. Hope this helps.

[suiramor]

Thank you for your replies. Very helpful.

[CMH]

Originally Posted by rbrazil

We stayed at various Mexican marinas over the past 5 years and have used Novamar as our insurance company with no restrictions as to were we kept the boat during hurricane season. This may have recently changed, however! Please check with them. US insurance was a royal pain in the butt. We quickly changed to Novamar who have been excellent to deal with. (We’ve had no claims)
Regarding marina's in PV. Paradise Village (Harbormaster Dick Markie and Gina) are great! You could contact them once underway. It’s very difficult to make a marina reservation ahead of time. WAAAY to many variables! They are best at giving you a slip when you are relatively close. I know this sounds scary, but we’ve never had an issue getting a slip. The La Cruz marina always had empty slips available, and could be your back up plan. Its a wonderful two hour or so sail from Paradise Village. Hope this helps.

Agreed. Email Gina when you’re on the way. Then later, send a photo of your boat to her, then email again when you’re near. Good luck.
WRT the La Cruz Marina, they recently modified their pricing. You now pay according to the length of the slip- not the length of your boat. For instance, for our 65 ft sailboat, we paid for 92 ft. Also, we found the shore power to be spotty🤨
Chris on SV Blue Pearl