Living on a 44' MY in Baja, California, Mexico

Do it!!!!! Amazing deals on fireworks and viagra. Lite it up!

www.borderlandbeat.com
You should stipulate in your will whether you want your body pieces returned to America after you've been dismembered. Seriously. Are you Insane. ??

Are you? What do the articles you referenced have to do with Ensenada?

I wouldn't see a big issue with Ensenada, but don't see what is gained either. It's not an area with a lot of cruisers living there but more people passing through. If you're keeping a home in San Diego, then what has been gained by Ensenada. It's not the boating paradise that you might find further down or in the Gulf of California. It is a busy active port.

I know many who love spending months or years in Mexico but none who have chosen to do so in Ensenada.

There are plenty of ex-pat enclaves of Americans in and around Ensenada.

Everything in life has its own risk/reward factor, if you can accept living in that area with mainly good people and certainly some bad factions, then your dream would be possible. But realize that it is their rules down there.

A long while ago, we kept our boat at Marina Coral a few months every year. My parents usually drove done in a used Ford Bronco, but made the mistake of taking their Mercedes down just one time. Sure enough, they where "shaken down" on their way into town for lunch with a fake accident and corrupt police immediately on the scene. Cost them $900 USD or they would go to "jail". They had no Spanish language skills.

Lesson learned - keep a low profile, drive inconspicuous cars, learn Spanish and maintain your situational awareness. And no, they would not drive down again.

The bigger difference is in the corruption amongst their officials and the ones who apply their law. And the street warfare of the drug cartels is nothing like you see in the US.
I have had the opportunity to work with the Mexican Navy at their headquarters in Mexico City and their shipyards on both coasts. I have met some great individuals who are wonderful people but I always keep in mind that their President has so little trust of their own Army that he uses the Navy’s special forces for all major issues. These are trained by our Navy Seals and the trusted few are a very small group. They are always wearing gear that protects their identity, always.
First and foremost you should be proficient in their language, this is a must and you will be treated much better by the locals and whenever you have to deal with their law enforcement.

We have been doing exactly the same thing you describe on our 60' Hatteras for the last 8 months.

Ensenada is great, were slipped at Cruiseport which is downtown.

Living expenses are about half of what it is in the states, people are friendly and it's a fun city. Slip feeds are about 40% less than the states.

Knowing Spanish is a huge bonus but you can get by without it.

Not much dangerous here just keep your wits about you and be respectful. Our experience's with the police have all been positive as well.

The drive is a piece of cake and you skirt all of Tijuana. Our 17 year old daughter just made the drive from Vegas to Ensenada with her friend. She speaks Spanish so it makes it alot less andintimidating but there is really nothing to worry about.

PM me if you want more info or need any help. I think your plan is sound and will be a great experience. I would be more worried about buying an old yacht than spending time in Mexico. Fortunately here in Ensenada there are lots of very good workman at 1/4 the price you would pay in the US. Spanish is key and learning it will unlock lots of doors for you.

You being trolled? Not on YF

Every once in a while we read a post that is so outrageous that it "rings" a little hollow. I'm certain yours is not the case. BTW. I'm the local cynic.... so pay me no mind.

Love Ensenada. Take my Offshore 48 there several times from SD. Coral Marina is great; safe, clean, great amenities.

Go for it...