Dinghy registration and paper work for Central America

[Sailingdecourm]

Hello the time is getting closer to our departure. We plan to leave Vancouver Canada soon before the winter storms start to roll in. However I just realized that I bought my dinghy used and have no paper work for you it. It’s a 8hp mercury and a 8 foot and a dinghy of the same make. Just looking for what I would need to enter the U.S Mexico and places further south? Will I need registration and insurance. I guess prof of ownership is a must? Any one with any experience entering countries with a small out board and dinghy.
Thanks in advance

[sy_gilana]

21 years of cruising and I was only asked once, in Florida, by a Sheriffs Deputy, who insisted I register my dinghy with a tax collector. British flagged boat and dinghy was being used to go ashore from boat.
Maybe proof of purchase would make you feel easier.

[Sailingdecourm]

Well that sounds like a good record. I just assumed that Mexico you need a TIP for the engine while in the country.

[belizesailor]

Dont know for sure about Mexico, but nowhere else in Central America will ask for dinghy paperwork.

Like Gilana Ive never been hassled for that anywhere except by USA officials fishing for tax revenue. I managed to delay them long enough that I had left the State before they could try to extort me again.

[stewie]

I think that the only country that will give you dingy problems is the USA.

[model 10]

If it gets stolen it might help if you talked to the cops.

[endlesspursuit]

Florida only requires registration if it has an engine on it.

[jmschmidt]

Don't know about Canada but vessel owners of other member nations of the IMO need to have only marked a tender or support vessel with the name of the mothership (and in the US) its US Coast Guard documentation number and the words "Tender To" or the abbreviation T/T. Water cops and authorities in other countries are required to leave you alone. However, I carry the Bill-of-Sale for the dinghy with the other vessel docs.

A legitimate tender can only be operated in support of the mothership, hauling provisions, crew and guests back and forth to shore, taking same to dive spots, etc.

[jmschmidt]

Not for a legitimate tender to a USCG documented vessel.

[belizesailor]

No officials in Central America care what, if anything, is written on your dinghy.

[waterman46]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

No officials in Central America care what, if anything, is written on your dinghy.

I confirm this. But to have your boat in Mexico, at your first entry point you will get a Temporary Import Permit, good for 10 years and on that you should list your dinghy just by type and size, don't have to enter any reg numbers for it. They don't seem to care about outboard motors.

Nobody asks about dinghies in any other Central American country.

In Panama you need to get a 1 year cruising permit for the boat, but I do not recall any question about dinghies.

Check noonsite.com for other info you will need.

[Sailingdecourm]

This all sound really good. As in Canada you only need registration on motors Over 9.9 hp. I will check noonsite as well.