Buying a boat in mexico

[Canuk59]

We are Canadians looking to buy a sailboat in Mexico . It is a private deal and we are looking for broker recommendations and any information on the process.

Thanks in advance

[stevenhigbee]

Is it a Mexican flagged boat? If not, then it can't be done. It will need to be taken to one of the exit ports and legally checked out of the country first.

[Canuk59]

No it is a Us registered boat. We are aware of the TIP permit issues and might have to get a broker involved.

[FoxIslander]

A US registered boat in Mexico will have a current 10 year TIP (Temp. Import Permit). Upon sale the current TIP is cancelled and a new one issued. The boat does not have to leave MX for this. Definitely easier with a broker but can be done yourself at an Aduana (immigration) office. Conversational Spanish will definitely help.

[jamhass]

"The boat does not have to leave MX for this."

Not "legally" true. The TIP is a bond that you will NOT sell the boat in MX. For years many have managed work-arounds, but these are not legal. Moreover, there has been a crack-down on this practice.

So, legally, the boat must check out of MX to cancel the TIP, then the new owner (or agent) can re-enter MX and go through the usual check-in process.

You might find brokers (or others) who can still work around these issues, but the risks associated are yours.