Permanently Registering a boat in Mexico

[TracyF]

We are Canadian and recently purchased a US registered boat and want to make it a Mexican boat. Can anyone advise the procedure involved and, once all is said and done, what documents we should end up with.
Thank you.

[aqfishing]

Hi,

Why do you want to register in Mexico?

[TracyF]

We will not be removing it from Mexico so we don’t want to have to deal with TIPs.

[SailFastTri]

These are the official instructions. If you have questions you should contact them directly. https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/D...umentation.pdf

[Zugbug99]

Hi Tracy, It can be a bit more complicated. A boat can only have three 10 year TIP (tourist import permits) before it physically has to leave Mexican waters. It can then renter Mexico and start another set of three 10 year TIPS.
Fees are collected and permits issued by Banjercito.
In buying a used non Mexican boat, the previous owner must cancel their TIP. Then a new TIP must be issued in your name. If they leave Mexico without canceling the TiP, your going to run into big headaches.
You cannot get a new TIP for the boat, until the old TIP is cancelled.
In other words, you cannot use time on the old owners TIP.
Did you use a broker, through a Marina? They should be able to assist.
I cannot comment on Title of the boat. If it was USCG titled, it should be easy to transfer new ownership to you through your Providence Marine licensing division. Unfortunately they may want to collect sales tax, transfer fees, license fees, etc. No way of avoiding that.
You must have marine liability insurance to use a Mexico marina. They will want to see the title in your name before the policy can be issued.
Non Mexico citizens cannot hold real estate property currently. So real estate property title is held by a Mexico holding company. There is no such provision like this for boats of any size.
Of course the millionaire yachts get registered in Malaysia, Caymans, or other countries where Title, and Taxes are lower.
I hope this is not new news to you. Many Canadians and Americans love boating in Mexico. 40 years ago it was cheap. But even in the Baja, you must follow the rules. Ensenada, Baja Norte brokers sell more boats than elsewhere. They can direct you to a Mexican Marine legal office if you need help with documents. Mucho Gusto Amigo!