Dragging a boat to ensanada?

reeleminross · Jun-01-2007, 11:26 PM

I know there have been alot of discussions on this topic but i thought i would ask anyways! I am thinking about towing to the Coral for the WON tourny in a couple weeks. Besides Insurance, permits, and licenses, I was just sent an e-mail thet we all need visitors visas as well, weather we drive in or boat in. What is the best route to take and any pros and cons to trailering in would be appreciated.

fully involved · Jun-02-2007, 06:38 AM

After you have your insurance, boat permit and licenses for anybody that will be aboard the boat, stay in the far right lane when you approach the border. Take the bus/declare lane and you will see immigration on the right then pull into secondary inspection area which is now on the left side of the bus lane. Park your rig parallel to the curb. If inspectors come over to see what you are declaring just explain you are going to immigration. Have each person take their ID with them and ask for your tourist cards. Request them for 180 days (6 days or 6 mos., same price) Take the applications next door to the bank and pay $21 ea. then go back to immigration to have them stamped and you are on your way. Whole process 10-15 minutes.

The above is not required as long as you do not travel south of Maneadero or stay more than 72 hours (I've never been checked north of Guerrero Negro)

As you leave the border continue to stay to the right and follow the signs to the Scenic Road, Rosarito, Cuota. Just take it slow and easy as you drive along the border fence. Cars will be flying past you but ignore that. This section is pretty rough and uneven and you have pedestrians crossing all the time. After you pull the hill stay to the left to Rosarito so you don't get jammed into going to Playas de Tijuana. It is smooth sailing from there. Just remember the roads are narrower down there and if you go south of Ensenada your trailer tires are often paint to paint.

My preference is to cross about dawn. The sun is up but there isn't near as much traffic at that hour.

Kammel Driver · Jun-02-2007, 07:28 AM

I look at it this way, when I am towing the boat I get around 15mpg and when I am in the boat I am lucky to get 2 mpg. It is not bad at all going to ensenada if you just mind your business and foillow instructions. Obey all speed laws and remember it is their country and you are an invited guest. Ensenada has turned into a lovely tourist town and has many good restuarants and shops. I have been trailing down there for 25 years and have had only one ticket because I tried to beat a yellow light. the truck made it but the boat was cited for running the red light, I paid the last 20 bucks i had in my wallet and continued across the border. The worst part is TJ and like above post take it nice and easy. Remember you have to have a red marker on your motor, it is the law down there. A bliking red light works but an old red t shirts costs nothing. have a good trip.

Gerry on the Kammel Driver.

reeleminross · Jun-02-2007, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fully involved

After you have your insurance, boat permit and licenses for anybody that will be aboard the boat, stay in the far right lane when you approach the border. Take the bus/declare lane and you will see immigration on the right then pull into secondary inspection area which is now on the left side of the bus lane. Park your rig parallel to the curb. If inspectors come over to see what you are declaring just explain you are going to immigration. Have each person take their ID with them and ask for your tourist cards. Request them for 180 days (6 days or 6 mos., same price) Take the applications next door to the bank and pay $21 ea. then go back to immigration to have them stamped and you are on your way. Whole process 10-15 minutes.

The above is not required as long as you do not travel south of Maneadero or stay more than 72 hours (I've never been checked north of Guerrero Negro)

As you leave the border continue to stay to the right and follow the signs to the Scenic Road, Rosarito, Cuota. Just take it slow and easy as you drive along the border fence. Cars will be flying past you but ignore that. This section is pretty rough and uneven and you have pedestrians crossing all the time. After you pull the hill stay to the left to Rosarito so you don't get jammed into going to Playas de Tijuana. It is smooth sailing from there. Just remember the roads are narrower down there and if you go south of Ensenada your trailer tires are often paint to paint.

My preference is to cross about dawn. The sun is up but there isn't near as much traffic at that hour.

Great info Alan, Thats just what I was looking for! Thanks!

reeleminross · Jun-02-2007, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kammel Driver

I look at it this way, when I am towing the boat I get around 15mpg and when I am in the boat I am lucky to get 2 mpg. It is not bad at all going to ensenada if you just mind your business and foillow instructions. Obey all speed laws and remember it is their country and you are an invited guest. Ensenada has turned into a lovely tourist town and has many good restuarants and shops. I have been trailing down there for 25 years and have had only one ticket because I tried to beat a yellow light. the truck made it but the boat was cited for running the red light, I paid the last 20 bucks i had in my wallet and continued across the border. The worst part is TJ and like above post take it nice and easy. Remember you have to have a red marker on your motor, it is the law down there. A bliking red light works but an old red t shirts costs nothing. have a good trip.

Gerry on the Kammel Driver.

Gerry thanks as well, I did'nt know about the red flag or light, so I do now!

fully involved · Jun-02-2007, 09:16 AM

Just one more word of caution..... It is addictive!

Ensenada today, BoLA tomorrow, then on to Loreto, Mag Bay, La Paz, Ensenada de Los Muertos.................................

fathomthis · Jun-02-2007, 09:36 AM

I boated down for the tourny last year, and when I got there, I was sure glad I did. The ramp is marginal at best for larger heavy boats. Super steep with dirt/sand at the top, I would imagine at certain tides with certain boats it would be rendered useless. I was planning on boateing down again this year, but due to other circumstances I had to withdraw from the event.

out.

Tyler T · Jun-02-2007, 01:09 PM

Tourists cards (FMT) are now $23 and you need a passport or a birthcert to get them, but you may be able to "pay here" and do it without the birth cert or passport. this was last weekend. They have 2 offices, one open 24 hours, but you may have to wake the guy up.

Bajabil3 · Jun-02-2007, 02:38 PM

If you need help pulling your boat out call me before, and if I am in town that day I'll meet you at the ramp with tow strap and chains and a 3/4 ton pick up. Yes; these ramps can be extremely slippery at lower tides when the moss is exposed, it's very risky. DON'T take your foot off of the brake or your whole rig might slip away when the front brakes are released. I've seen some nice pickups sitting in the water at the Marina Coral. PM me for my phone number, just give me a heads up before hand and pay my bar tab if you are late. . . .

. . .
Or I could show you where the free public launch ramp is ? ? ?
"The only diference between men and boys is the price of their toys"!
Bill 3

tlong · Jun-02-2007, 03:32 PM

Don't forget medical/legal insurance in case of an auto accident. I'm always amazed at the complete lack of understanding people have who are driving down Highway 1 of the consequences if you are involved in an accident with injuries down in Mexico. First off let me disclose that I'm one of the engineers Ford and GM send down to investigate serious accidents involving their vehicles (i.e rollovers). Watch out for those pavement edge drop-offs!! If you have ever been driving down Highway 1 and have seen an American looking guy with a SDSU baseball cap on surveying the highway in the middle of nowhere that's me. If you are involved in a serious accident with injuries the authorities will throw you in jail until "further investigation" Even if the injuries are your own family. Want to see the jail cell in Santa Rosalia a father was kept in after rolling his Tahoe coming back from Loreto? His daughter was killed, but the police have to finish their investigation. For some reason the I/O in Santa Rosalia thought I wanted to see the cell, Holy Shit! Also the hospitals don't care about your insurance they want cash or you are not going anywhere! Just to keep it short, I have no affiliation at all with the Binational Emergency Committee but if you drive down Highway 1 and don't have their "Lifesaver Card" your f####kin crazy. In the past this group has even had to step in to get U.S. military guys out of trouble.

sdelec04 · Jun-02-2007, 04:54 PM

lifesaver card? where do you get that? and how much?

tlong · Jun-02-2007, 06:22 PM

website is Welcome To BEMCC
Cost $30/yr, they're a non-profit group set up to help Americans getting screwed by the policia (who are only following the laws of the land) and hospitals in Mexico (they're afraid they're going to be stiffed once you get back to the U.S.). They can contact consulate officials, doctors and lawyers in Mexico to help you in an emergency.