Sea of Cortez - boat insurance?

[Chinook]

We're planning to sail the on Sea of Cortez this coming spring. Thinking right now is to trailer down to San Carlos in March, cross over to the Baja side and then work south for several weeks, with a return in mid to late May. I'm looking for information/advice from fellow Mac owners who've cruised this area. Biggest question so far involves insurance. I'm well aware of requirements for Mexican liability insurance while driving and boating in Mexico. My problem has been finding a company that will general insurance coverage for the Mac while in Mexican waters. Anyone know of a company that will provide coverage there? I'd also be interested in general info/experiences with the area.

[NiceAft]

You may wish to contact Divecoz. He may have the info you are looking for.

Ray

[Divecoz]

Google Lewis and Lewis Insurance
I am in fact heading down Wed. and I will ask my agent on COZ about any deals . . .who's best at paying etc. I return the following wed or thur.
WOW! That is a tip I would LOVE to make so please be prepared to make trip report with pictures when you return. What are you towing your Mac down there with?

[Frank C]

See this website on cruising the Sea of Cortez.

[Chinook]

Thanks for the tips. I'll check out Lewis and Lewis Insurance. We use a 2001 Chevy 3/4 ton diesel pickup for towing. We've modified the trailer by adding a second axle and disc brakes. This package has performed very well on several long range trips. The tandem axle was a great help during 2 tire failures.

[Divecoz]

Its been my experience that Mexico / Pemex has . . . . poor quality Gas and Diesel, well at least compared to here. Most of our Diesel Dive Boats have water separation and two fuel filters per engine. WE run ATF in the tanks regularly for a cleaner. As I posted for RichandLori the ATF can not be the FMC type as it has a very fine grit in it. Check with your mechanic or Scott on this board. ATF is a vegetable product with a + ph factor and cleans well and under pressure will com-bust nicely.
L&L is out of Calif. very popular and I have used them a couple times . Rates seem good for what your getting and the Mexican support is excellent. Having a vehicular accident in Mexico as a gringo CAN suck. L&L for anything where a life wasn't lost is your get out of jail free card and your allowed to go home. Big Deal believe me!!! the following is IMHOMexico is going to demand a surety bond that you will not try to sell your truck or boat in Mexico. You need papers proving you own both an if you owe money on either of them a letter on proper letter head from the lender giving you permission to bring them down. Here is the IMHO part.
This will either cost you $50 on your credit card or about 10% of what they feel your vehicles are worth in cash. What Some do is get a new Credit card with as small a limit as possible . $100 limits are out there. Then if for what ever reason, if there is a problem of any nature , they cannot just charge you $1 to $20K fine on your card. Leaving you to fight a very paper choked crooked Country for EVER to get it off. Just IMHO as I like to say. BTW NO GUNS!!!! if your a hunter tear your truck apart to make sure there is not so much a one 22 short rolling around under the seat . That shell could easily cost you 6 months in jail and $5K=$10K in fines and legal cost!!!!!
IWILL BE GONE DOWN TO Mexico for a few days but when get back either post or PM me if you would like any help in any way.
YT
Richard / Divecoz
Chicago/Cozumel

[bwayno]

I have been using the Vagabundos del Mar liability insurance for years, good and cheap. I just returned from a trip from San Carlos to La Paz in two weeks. No problem with the gas, but a rip off at Puerto Escondido, 20% extra surcharge... Boat held up great through the 4 day storm out of L.A. Santanas., stuck at Coranado Island for 3 days, only one there...
Reefed down alot and motored when ness. On one stretch on mod. seas,
got 7 hours at 2000rpm on my Evinrude 60 E-Tec. on 6 gal. In the center of the Sea of Cortez at night sailing, a albatros tried to land on the spreader but the shrouds got in the way of its wings and gave up after three tries.

[Chinook]

Hi Bwayno,

Thanks for the info. I've checked out Vagabundos. They do seem a good source for required liability insurance. I've had a harder time finding a source for general coverage, including accidental damage to the boat. Finally got a lead, with Lewis & Lewis Insurance. I'm sending away for a quote. By the way, what were your favorite anchorages/ports of call? Any recommendations, advice for another Mac following in your wake?


ModsNote: bwayno, I had same thought as Chinook. In fact, if you'd like to give some notes & pics of your Cortez trip, we'll eventually archive this entire thread to Events/Venues forum. Thanks! ~fc

[bwayno]

The best overall place for diving, fishing, interesting other boats, scenery, would be San Juanico. La Paz's new Malicon walk is beautiful, new sculptures, bricks, walls, lighthouse. Marina La Paz is by far the best place to dock, everything you could imagine for a marina is there. Since the wind is normally NW the haul back is tricky, need to plan for gas since Loreto is the only place near half way. We sailed and motored from San Juanico in 18 hours to San Carlos. We burned 24 gals. from Loreto to San Carlos, but ran into heavy seas to San Janico, and sped into San Carlos the last two hours. Motor really burns the gas at 4000 rpm. Water is critical, plus enough tequila and beer to make it through the storms...
We found two weeks was not enough, too much traveling....
Sorry, but I don't know how to post pictures here.
Have a good trip.

[Chinook]

Hi Bwano,

I'd like to continue asking a few questions. I'll be sending you a personal message with some follow up. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[Herm. Beeck]

I am in San Carlos right now.
Just noticed that PALADINE (26M/colorado) just launched his Mac for the Sea of Cortez 14 day cruise (San Carlos to San Marcus island).

I got my insurance from:
insurance4mexico.net.

You do need to obtain an import boat permit at mile post 18.
You need boat insurance to launch your boat at Marina San Carlos.
No other port papers are needed.

[Chinook]

So, Herm.Beeck, I assume you have your boat down there with you. What are your cruising plans? I'd like to get in touch after you get back.