Advice on boat as condo in Cabo San Lucas

There is only one marina in Cabo to my knowledge. We have a house there and have been living there on and off since the mid 90's. It's my understanding that it's very pricey at the marina and then there are the hurricanes to deal with as well. Our house was completely devastated during the last hurricane and we are currently rebuilding the interior spaces. If you PM me, I can give you a Name and Number of a local who can put you in touch with the right people...

There is a new Marina in San Jose del Cabo just north of San Lucas...La Paz is also a great option.

You're going to need to be comfortable with spending at the very top of the cost scale for everything. Cabo San Lucas is the most expensive marina on the west coast of north America.

One problem you will have is getting insurance coverage during hurricane season, especially if you aren't on board full time. And it is expensive, but a nice place to be. Otherwise, I would say your plan is 100% feasible. However, if your focus is primarily on the location and only secondarily on the boat, I suspect you can find a boat already there for a good (better) price than buying in Cal and motoring down.

Other than the few little questions about being able to do that legally.

Insurance in that location is available. Like everything else, just cost. Let's see where we are now. Docking $24,000 by the time you include electricity (assuming 50'). Maintenance, another $20,000. Insurance, taxes, etc., perhaps $10,000. These are all very rough numbers, obviously. An expensive way to park a boat.

Lot's of great charters out of Cabo San Lucas and with charters you're not tied to a location. Boat can become very expensive vacation home when you pick such a location. Now there are other places in Mexico that are pleasant and far less expensive. La Paz drops your dock costs 40%.

It all comes down to how much you can use it and can you then be ok with the cost. If you're able to spend six months a year on it, may be well worth it. But if it's going to be two weeks once and one week twice in the year then they may be better options.

One other topic. You've never owned more than a 21' ski boat. I'd see the first step in this getting some experience and training in larger boats. Finding out if they work for you. Again, Charter is a great way to experiment. But jumping from 21' to at least 50' will require some development of skills and experience.

What legality problems?

As to where the sale can legally be consummated based on the flag of the boat being purchased and the limitations on a US citizen purchasing the boat in Mexico. Also, depending on the boat, it's duty and tax status. It can become a complicated issue and is being watched more closely today than in the past. Then once the purchase is made simply proper re-entry and clearance.

That is news to me. There are plenty of US flagged vessels routinely sold in Ensenada and from what I understand an "offshore" delivery is not necessary. The only paperwork that I am aware of is a TIP, but that is required regardless. If it were me, I would consider the "legal" issues far less troublesome than moving the boat from southern CA to Cabo (and note that, for California residents, the legalities of avoiding California use tax can be very complicated, especially if the boat is purchased or present in California within a year after the purchase).