I was hired to help bring this islander 55 from Eureka to LA, hired two crew to go with us as there was no auto pilot on board. Before going down worked closely with the owner to put a good circulation pump on the hydraulic drive system.
When we arrived in Eureka the owner questioned us about our bags, the crew and I are experienced mariners and we know what to bring on deliveries. His candor on our bags set the stage for the rest of the trip.
We departed on Monday October 12th after a slight delay as the shifting cable to the hydraulic pump was broken due to a previous trip when the hydraulics overheated. Left the dock at 11 am, took us 3 days and two nights to get to pillar point. We put on fuel, and I went to the store to get some groceries. Thursday we departed for morro bay. Friday the hydraulic pump started failing and we started going slower and slower. Friday evening we had some nice sailing after putting the fore stay top sail up. Saturday morning early the wind had died and we where doing about 1.5 knots. Decided to hail the USCG about out situation, they towed us in and recommended we tie to the pier. Sunday we drove to LAX and the crew and I flew home.
The hydraulic pump had overheated previous to crew and I arriving at the boat, which likely compromised the spool valve seals on the hydraulic pump. This owner did not get the boat surveyed when purchasing it, he looked at a insurance/valuation survey that the seller had down the year before. So he really did not know what he was getting into.
I worked on this research vessel in May, June, July, and August. After the June trip I was made to the lead captain and managing the vessel. I worked on many projects like the rigging, electronics, engine room, and the steering system. Also spent time helping the technicians with pressure vessels on the drones, and the electronic systems on board. Also at times I cooked meals for the crew.
Helped the owner deliver this powerboat from Hayden Island to Vancouver, BC. We had to wait for a few days to get the paperwork done, then we finally left on the morning of the 29th, filled the fuel tanks in st helens then rolled into west end basin just before dark. Next morning we headed over the columbia river bar and pointed the boat north. We increased our speed to 15 knots as the weather was perfect. Rolled into Victoria, Canada around 8 pm and proceeded to check into canada. Next morning we topped the tanks off and headed towards False Creek area in Vancouver, BC. Stayed the night and went out for the fireworks. Next morning I rod the bus and train back to Vancouver, Washington.
Interesting to see New Haven on a mooring ball, she was super dirty, and had a for sale on her. Also had a sticker on her classifying her as a derelict vessel. 
I spent a long weekend on the beneteau. St helens to riverplace marina, with a stop at coon island on the way back. Saw the Grateful Birthday Band at the blues festival, and then the fireworks at st helens for the 4th. Boat did fine and didn’t really get a chance to do any sailing.
This owner hired me to check out this boat, it was listed for less than $30k. Given the rebuilt engine, generator, and money spent on the bottom and the skeg rudder, with an investment after getting her to tacoma she would be a good valuable boat.