Southern California boaters cruising to Mexico now have access to factory-trained technicians, secure storage and a growing network of support in Cabo San Lucas.
Cabo San Lucas is more than a waypoint at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. For Southern California boaters, it marks the gateway to some of the world’s premier cruising grounds, from the Sea of Cortez to the Pacific coast of Baja. Its world-class marinas, renowned sportfishing and year-round boating weather have long made it a favorite destination for recreational cruisers, tournament anglers, and luxury yachts alike.
Yet while the destination itself has always drawn boaters south, finding dependable repair facilities, qualified technicians and reliable long-term storage has historically been more difficult.
Marine Group Boat Works is working to change that.
Building on decades of experience serving the boating community from its San Diego headquarters, the company expanded into Cabo San Lucas in 2010 with the goal of providing Southern California boaters the same level of workmanship and customer service they have come to expect in the United States.
According to Todd Roberts, CEO of Marine Group Boat Works, the company’s vision was born from recognizing a need among the growing number of cruisers traveling between Southern California and Mexico.
“Our expansion into Cabo San Lucas in 2010 was inspired by a simple vision: to give boat owners cruising Mexico the same confidence they enjoy when servicing their vessels in the United States,” Roberts said. “Boaters love the cruising grounds of Baja and the Sea of Cortez but have historically struggled to find dependable long-term storage and repair facilities that consistently met quality standards. We recognized the opportunity to bridge that gap by bringing our U.S.-based shipyard expertise and customer-focused approach to Cabo.”
Roberts said Cabo’s location makes it a natural place for a full-service marine facility.
“Cabo is the gateway to one of the world’s greatest cruising destinations for Southern California boaters,” he said. “Whether making the iconic trip down the Baja Peninsula or competing in fishing tournaments, Cabo has long been a destination that combines adventure with natural beauty. Its proximity to Southern California makes it an attainable cruising destination, while its year-round boating weather and world-class marinas attract recreational boaters, sportfishermen and luxury yachts.”
One of the shipyard’s greatest strengths is its team of factory-trained, manufacturer-certified technicians. As today’s vessels become increasingly sophisticated, with advanced propulsion systems, electronics and integrated onboard technology, specialized expertise has become essential.
Roberts said that expertise helps protect both the vessel and the owner’s investment.
“Modern vessels rely on sophisticated propulsion systems and electronics that require specialized expertise,” he said. “That’s why Marine Group employs factory-trained and manufacturer-certified technicians who are qualified to service leading marine brands according to factory specifications. That level of expertise ensures repairs and maintenance are completed correctly and helps owners protect their investment by maintaining manufacturer warranty requirements. For owners cruising Mexico, that means expert service without compromising reliability, performance or warranty coverage.”
Beyond repairs, Marine Group Boat Works has developed its Cabo operation into a comprehensive service center designed to support every stage of boat ownership.
“The Cabo facility was built around one mission: to give boaters everything they need to stay safe and on the water with confidence,” Roberts said. “From secure dry storage inside a hurricane-resistant enclosure to private bodegas for storing fishing gear and vessel equipment, the facility provides peace of mind when owners are away. When maintenance or repairs are needed, we offer full-service haul-out capabilities and comprehensive repair services performed by experienced marine professionals.”
For many Southern California cruisers, Cabo has evolved from an occasional destination into a seasonal home port. That shift has created demand for secure long-term storage options that allow owners to leave their boats in Mexico between cruising seasons.
The shipyard addresses that need with hurricane-resistant dry storage and newly constructed private storage bodegas designed to keep boating equipment close at hand.
“For many Southern California boaters, Cabo is more than just a destination. It’s a seasonal home port,” Roberts said. “Many owners choose to leave their vessels in Mexico during the off-season. Our hurricane-resistant dry storage and private bodegas allow owners to store fishing equipment, dive gear and other boating essentials, so instead of worrying about transporting gear back and forth, they can simply arrive in Cabo, launch their boat and get back to enjoying some of the finest cruising waters in the world.”
Marine Group Boat Works has also expanded beyond the shipyard itself to support boaters on the water.
To provide additional peace of mind throughout Baja California Sur, the company launched Vessel Assist Cabo, a 24-hour emergency response service operating from Marina Puerto Los Cabos in nearby San José del Cabo.
According to Roberts, the service responds within a 20-mile radius, providing towing, battery jump-starts, fuel delivery and other emergency assistance for recreational boaters experiencing unexpected mechanical issues.
Todd Roberts, CEO of Marine Group Boat Works, said the expansion reflects the company’s broader commitment to serving customers beyond the shipyard.
“With so many of our customers cruising to Cabo for fishing and leisure, it was important to ensure they have reliable support on the water, not just in the boatyard,” Roberts said. “Vessel Assist Cabo reflects our commitment to improving the safety, experience and peace of mind for the boating community in one of the world’s most iconic marine destinations.”
The service is staffed by highly trained local captains and dedicated response vessels positioned for rapid deployment.
“We’re proud to offer boaters dependable assistance when they need it most,” said Peter Horner, vice president of Latin American Operations. “Whether it’s a quick jump-start or a critical tow, we operate 24/7 so boaters can explore Baja’s waters with confidence.”
Marine Group Boat Works has also worked to solve another common frustration for cruisers: obtaining marine parts while in Mexico.
According to Roberts, the company developed a dedicated logistics network connecting its San Diego headquarters directly with Cabo to keep repair projects moving without unnecessary delays.
“One of the greatest challenges of maintaining and repairing vessels in Mexico is ensuring that the right parts and materials arrive when they’re needed,” Roberts said. “Marine Group has solved that challenge by creating a reliable cross-border logistics network that keeps our Cabo facility closely connected to our headquarters in San Diego.”
Each week, a dedicated Marine Group truck transports marine parts, specialty equipment and project materials directly to Cabo. Supported by a team experienced in customs documentation and international logistics, the company manages the complexities of cross-border transportation so customers don’t have to.
Roberts said the integrated transportation system allows projects to stay on schedule while reducing downtime for visiting boaters.
“Whether sourcing specialized replacement components, delivering equipment for a major refit or supporting routine maintenance, our transportation system ensures customers have access to the resources they need without unnecessary delays,” he said. “For boat owners, the result is faster project completion, greater reliability and the confidence that their vessel is backed by an organization with the infrastructure and expertise to support them on both sides of the border.”
Together, these services create a comprehensive support network for boaters cruising Mexico. Rather than simply operating a repair facility, Marine Group Boat Works has developed an operation that combines factory-trained technicians, full-service yacht maintenance and refits, hurricane-season storage, emergency on-the-water assistance and streamlined access to marine parts.
As more Southern California boaters continue exploring Baja California and beyond, having a trusted service provider south of the border can make extended cruising easier, safer and more convenient.
For those planning time in Mexico, Marine Group Boat Works’ Cabo San Lucas facility offers a familiar resource built around the same commitment to quality, reliability and customer service that has long defined the company’s operations in San Diego.
