SAN DIEGO — A historic yacht that once entertained several U.S. Presidents is stopping in San Diego.
In this Zevely Zone, I toured the 'El Primero'. It's a miracle the old ship is still floating because it was built 18 years before the Titanic was launched in 1911.
"It was the first superyacht steel hull made on the West Coast," said Captain Jeff Anderson. The old steamship is a rare chapter in American boating history. "The windows themselves, all of the bronze and whatnot, it's amazing," said Captain Jeff.
Built in San Francisco in 1893, El Primero was the premiere luxury steamer on the West Coast.
"This here is all original from 1893, all of the doors, all of the teak," said Captain Jeff.
He bought the yacht three years ago in Portland, Oregon for about $250,000. The ship needs a lot of work, so I asked if a quarter of a million dollars was too much to pay.
"I don't know, I don't know," said Captain Jeff with a big smile and contagious enthusiasm.
Although Captain Jeff is a home builder by profession, I have a sinking feeling, this is the biggest fixer of his life. The repair budget is taking on water.
"It's new to me all of the time, I thought one number then I think another number. Some people are telling me a million," said Captain Jeff who is on his way to El Salvador to refurbish the boat, but first he has to get there.
"How do you steer this thing?" I asked.
Captain Jeff laughed and told me, "Very carefully."
Inside the wheelhouse, you'll find the helm and throttle. "That's full speed," said Captain Jeff showing me the old throttle. As he looks out the front windshield there is a huge hunk of wood blocking his view. "Pretty much a telephone pole," laughed Captain Jeff.
If he wants to call the engine room three decks below there is really old telephone with a hand crank. "Hey there we go, that's perfect. It still works," said Captain Jeff.
Several former US Presidents traveled on the 120-foot yacht.
The ship's first mate is Marshal Bowles. "I think it's amazing. I could not pass this opportunity up," said Marshall. He suspects the past presidential passengers were celebrated at dinner parties. He showed me an assortment of name tags he discovered, "We have Taft, we have Roosevelt, we have Harding," said Marshal.
The ship that once ran on coal, now has a diesel engine, that just goes and goes; much like the stories you hear about the ship. One such story that's been passed along states the ship was once lost in a craps game and went to a new owner. A bunch of new owners followed until Captain Jeff made an offer the last owner could not refuse. "Here I stand," said Captain Jeff who calls this the adventure of his life.
In El Salvador, he hopes to find affordable hardwood to restore the yacht. He is also hoping for more sunshine to work on the boat than they had in Oregon. Captain Jeff says the number one question he receives is what will he do with the boat when it's all done.
"I don't know I could charter it, I could live on it, I could sell it, like I said I am going to finish it that's it," said Captain Jeff.
He hopes to potentially turn a quarter of a million dollar investment into a five million dollar pay day, but for better or worse this captain is going down with the ship. "Right, I am going to finish it. Hopefully not down, but I am sticking around with the ship," said Captain Jeff.
The 'El Primero' is currently anchored off the coast of San Diego preparing for its trip to El Salvador. If you'd like to follow this story or make a donation toward its restoration, click here.