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Headed to Cabo in Dec first time!

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by gunnymt, Nov 4, 2019.

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  1. gunnymt

    gunnymt New Member

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    Finally getting the chance to take my 65 power boat to Cabo in Dec. I will have to stop for fuel at lest once. I'm told Turtle bay or Mag Bay is the only fuel locations. Does anyone have any contact info or suggestion on where best place to go. I'll need about 700 gal I think. Also any suggestions on place Marinas to stay in Cabo for a week. I was planning on heading to La Paz after Cabo. Any info would be great. I thinking 5 days from San Diego to Cabo at 9 knots. Is that correct? Thank you for any advice.
  2. d_meister

    d_meister Senior Member

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    Someone else asked the question recently, and that thread is HERE. A lot of questions answered in it. There are more threads on the subject that can be found using the "Search" function. Generally, you are correct about Turtle and Mag bay, but Turtle is the only game in town half-way down the coast. Mag is more like 3/4. Travel time is in the 82 hour range at 9 knots, depending on how you plot your course. My route gets San Diego to Cabo San Lucas down to 740 nm. When are you leaving? The Baja-Ha-Ha fleet left San Diego yesterday, and I can tell you from experience that finding your way through that fleet at night is not easy, and the anchorage at Turtle and Santa Maria bays can be challenging to find a spot to drop your hook.
  3. gunnymt

    gunnymt New Member

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    We're leaving Dec 26. Do you know how I can find gps cord of a safe route. Going to be craving at night a few days and feel better if I had the best route. If not I was just planning on staying 10 to 20 miles off shore to keep a safe distance. Any advice would be great, thank you.
  4. RER

    RER Senior Member

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    Follow somebody else's GPS track? You appear to be wholly unprepared to make this trip without an experienced captain on board.
  5. d_meister

    d_meister Senior Member

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    If you want to enjoy the trip, you should really consider RER's advice. 20 miles off of significant land points is excessive, although you'll be more than 30 miles offshore at times when following rhumb line plots. Big ships are 10 miles + off the points, and you don't want to be in that traffic. Take a look on Marinetraffic, and you'll be surprised how many ships are out there plowing their way to or from Panama. On the other hand, being too close in is definitely no good. There are many points of interest along that route, and an experienced hand can make it enjoyable. If fueling in Turtle Bay, it's an experience like few others. Anchoring to fuel in shallow water, stern-tying to a rickety pier with rusted and submerged pilings visible near the dock, and dealing with the lovely Maria is best done with experienced help.
  6. gunnymt

    gunnymt New Member

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    Just looking for some advice on making a safe trip.
  7. Capt Fred

    Capt Fred Senior Member

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    My rule of thumb is to stay in 100 fathoms of water or more at night time. There are a lots of fishing gear down there, particularly lobster traps and their line often floats and will get tangled in your running gear. All of the nav hazards are marked on the charts but I find there is some discrepancy between my chart plotter and the actual hazard so I give them a half mile clearance. I plot my coarse to go outside Cedros and Natividad. Turtle is easy in and out except the tying to the pier. Pay in Pesos or take a 10% hit in addition to 6.80 per gallon fuel and you have to negotiate to get that price. I prefer Mag Bay but it takes longer because it is more distance to travel into the bay, Chrispen is the local American that is the go between to the fuel dock and you, reach him on ch 16. the price there is close to 4.oo per gallon. I do not recommend anchoring at Abreojos or going into the false (southern) entrance to Mag Bay. Have all the Mexican required paperwork in order, checking in at Ensenada is probably to best way to start the trip.
  8. gunnymt

    gunnymt New Member

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    Thank you! Great info. Seems like there are 2 camps in the route I should take. Either follow the coast line or do the more direct outside route. I'm leaning for the outside route. Outside seems more direct, less fuel and clear of hazards. Is this correct or is there something I'm not seeing? Thank you again for the input!
  9. Blowncar

    Blowncar New Member

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    My fishing Captain delivers boats up and down the Baja coast every year. I would strongly suggest you consider hiring a guy like him to escort you on your first trip down. There are several areas of concern like Sacramento Reef, passing inside or outside Cedros Island etc. How many crew are qualified to operate the boat at night? For around 1k you can get quality help and you'll enjoy the trip much more.

    Getting a slip in Cabo at that time of year may require a reservation, it's going to be expensive too. Last year they wanted $2200 a month for my 42ft sf. I'd go to Puerto Los Cabos in San Jose Del Cabo instead 40% cheaper and not a zoo. Fuel in SJDC will be about $5 a gallon. La paz that time of year is windy and chilly at times. You might want to consider going across to Mazatlan instead. We did that last year and loved it. About 30% less for the boat and a really nice and safe marina and perfect weather. pm if you have q's good luck
    Last edited: Nov 7, 2019
  10. gunnymt

    gunnymt New Member

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    Thank you! Yes got a slip for a week in Cabo. 200 per day. Was going to head to La Paz next but would love any suggestions on maybe better areas. Thank you for responding.
  11. GhostriderIII

    GhostriderIII Senior Member

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    You'll have smoother water in Mazatlan than East Cape or LaPaz. Both are kinda bouncy until March.
  12. gunnymt

    gunnymt New Member

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    Really, good to know. So you think Mazatlan is more scenery, things to do or just water will be calmer? Love any suggestions.
  13. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    You married, girl friend or single may help answer this question?
  14. gunnymt

    gunnymt New Member

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    HAAHA married... never been to either place. People told us to go to La Paz but now people say Mazatlan...
  15. Blowncar

    Blowncar New Member

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    Mazatlan is a real city, lots to do. Marina Mazatlan is a nice marina with great services. Around the marina is several restaurants and a couple convenience stores. You have a huge mall that rivals any in the states 1 mile away as well as a walmart. The people are friendly and they treat visitors well. Typical night out for us is a quick $2 taxi ride to the Golden Zone hundreds of places to eat. Fancy night of dinner for 2 with drinks and tip= $35-40 regular good meal around $25. If you like to cook on the boat you can get fresh food many places they even bring shrimp to the docks 2 times a week. Want your boat washed? try about $1 a foot or less, $1 a foot for bottom cleaning and the guy does awesome job. Maz is a much better place to "live" than Cabo or La Paz.

    *forgot marina quest have access to a private beach club and discounts at the golf course too.
    Last edited: Nov 7, 2019
  16. gunnymt

    gunnymt New Member

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    Doing our first trip from SD to Cabo and La Paz area. What do people bring on board that's allowed for self defense? Any one have issues or places we should not go? Thinking about a cross bow;)
  17. Blowncar

    Blowncar New Member

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    Wasp spray is nasty and better than pepper spray. NO WEAPONS!!!! unless you want to live there for a long time.
  18. gunnymt

    gunnymt New Member

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    Good idea.... just wondering what most cruisers do....
  19. GhostriderIII

    GhostriderIII Senior Member

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    We follow the law of the land - wherever it is. Boards with 5-7cm nails on the swim platform and at the rails, and a 60cm machete keeps boarders at bay until you can call for help. Plus a dog with big teeth.