live aboards

[rodneyb467]

my wife n i are thinking of buying an older sailboat to live aboard n were wondering about the ins n outs , n are there lots of people who do this we live in canada n are sick of the cold weather are there many problems in purchasing a boat in mexico any info would be greatly appreciated thanks rod n candice

[skipmac]

Complications? Certainly more complicated than purchasing a boat closer to home. You will be dealing with unfamiliar laws and regulations, there could be a language barrier at times unless you are fluent in Spanish. Another big issue, you will have a long, expensive trip (probably several) to Mexico and possibly arrive to learn that the boat you went to see was not at all what you expected so have to fly back home to do it again the next time.

It might be tricky to find a surveyor you trust and getting title cleared and transferred could be more complex. And also probably have a lot fewer boats to choose from compared to Canada or the US.

I guess I have to ask why purchase the boat in Mexico. Why not buy one in Canada or even the US and take it to Mexico?

[rodneyb467]

the boat we are looking at is already in the marina in mexico and the price seems to be what we are looking for and the cost of purchasing a boat up here n traliering it down to mexico would probably cost us a fortune and sailing it down we have no experience n plan on learning how to sail by day trips thanks

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by rodneyb467

my wife n i are thinking of buying an older sailboat to live aboard n were wondering about the ins n outs , n are there lots of people who do this we live in canada n are sick of the cold weather are there many problems in purchasing a boat in mexico any info would be greatly appreciated thanks rod n candice

Hi... Welcome to CF...
Take a look at the boats for sale on here... theres a guy (new Member?) who sailed his Beneteau 36? from San Francisco down to Mexico and is now selling it fully loaded and set up with extras... if your ready to buy I imagine this 'could' be for you as its a US boat and a private deal so no worries as such... if nothing else he may be able to advise you if he's already checked out that side for his own sake...

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Rod & Candice.

[skipmac]

If you have found the exact boat you want in Mexico at a good price then it does make more sense to go there for the purchase.

The previous caveats still apply regarding the purchase. I would add just try to get the best idea you can of the condition of the boat before flying to Mexico. It is unfortunately not unheard of for a seller to be overly optimistic about the condition of a boat for sale.

[Nemo55]

Welcome to CF Rod & Candice , I am a Canuckian living in Baja just south of Ensenada.
In all your dealings please make sure you have someone on your side who can negotiate in Spanish. It seems there are two price structures here,,Gringo...and Mexican or Mexican American.
I am bringing my NEW to me Tri Maran down from San Diego in January so i'll also be dealing with the locals without a lot of Spanish, so i will be taking my own advice.

How are you conducting the sale?? are you getting The Documents put into your name In San Diego like i did,,or are you registering in Canada??

Remember if you are using an American Notary,,all documents must be Notarized on U.S. soil.
Also,,Mexican Notaries are nothing like anything else you are used to.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here. Hope you can find your new home.
kind regards,