Sailing back from Mexico (Feb 2023)

In this episode, Andy from "Sailing Sole" YouTube Channel fame and David from SV Riff Raff crew on a voyage from Ensenada, Mexico to San Pedro, California. The voyage is typically a bash with motor sailing against wind and waves for almost 160 nautical miles. Thanks to an amazing crew, we manage to complete our mission within our weather window and successfully got in front of an upcoming gale warning. Reflections/Lessons Learned from this passage: 1/ v-drive fluid leak was manageable (yes, the NEW v-drive). had to add a little in san diego. 2/ engine stalled at san diego light. suspect crud in tank temporarily blocked pickup tube. racor was dirty. i'm thinking polish fuel and have tank cleaned. 3/ VHF distress randomly activated but I quickly alerted coast guard to disregard. could not deactivate. new standard horizon GX2400B with RAM4X remote on order. 4/ main headboard shackle caught up on topping lift. no idea how other than topping lift was flying a little loose. drama inside of LA harbor trying to get main down. 5/ night approaches are a b*tch when you are tired. LA harbor is particularly difficult relative to San Diego and Ensenada (my opinion, but others may disagree). 6/ should have gone with Beta 50 for repower. Beta 35 adequate but extra HP would have been welcome on 15+kt headwinds. 7/ DC charger pulled 85A when I first started engine at 1600 RPM. Impressed, but not sure how much of that was coming from alternator vs. pull from the starting battery. Could not do a long-poll charge test because batteries were topped. only shut down engine for 1 hour of sailing and separate 1 hour of layover at san diego CBP dock. 8/ everything is more manageable and more fun when you have an awesome, competent crew!