M/S Mt Washington's new engines pass 'shake-down' test

The M/S Mount Washington's yearly "shakedown cruise" has become a spring ritual, wherein the ship performs certain tests and inspections for state inspectors to prove itself safe and capable of maneuvering for another season. This year, the event held special import due to an engine upgrade that marks one of the major milestones in the ship's 138 year history.

As expected, the new engines were noticeably smoother and quieter in operation, with nearly no exhaust particles observable by the naked eye (or nose). The ship's captains reported that the new engines also were able to propel the ship at a faster pace than before while consuming fuel at a more conservative rate.

The two new engines, turbocharged diesel power plants made by Caterpillar, are capable of generating 750 horsepower and weigh 4.5 tons each. They replace a pair of engines made by Enterprise Engine & Foundry Co., rated at 615 horsepower and 22 tons each. The Caterpillars represent the first engine upgrade for the venerable vessel in 64 years.

What does Jim Morash, captain and part owner of the ship, think of his new engines? "Excellent," he said. "We're very happy — how can you not be happy with brand new engines?"

The power boost has translated into a greater top speed for the vessel. With the old engines, the boat topped out at about 13.5 miles per hour. Morash said a preliminary test of the new engines proved it was capable of speeds slightly faster than 16 miles per hour. Still, he said, cruises would continue within the speed range of ten to 13 miles per hour, with the top speed only being utilized in cases of an onboard medical emergency.

The extra power will come in handy, though, especially at lower speeds. The boat will have, Morash said "more 'power out of the hole', when we're pivoting the boat, we need that."

While the new engines were installed, the engineering team added a transmission to the boat which allows a near-instant shift from forward to reverse, something the Enterprise engines didn't have. Without the transmission, the captains had to shut down the engines, wait for them to stop spinning, and then re-start them backwards in order to reverse. With the greater maneuverability, the ship can now return to ports in Center Harbor and Meredith on Mondays, ports which had been avoided in the past due to tricky docking conditions.

Although they'd only been in operation for a short while, Morash said said his crew had been able to observe a "significant" decrease in the amount of fuel consumed at a given throttle position. Exactly how much more efficient would have to wait to be determined, but Morash said it wasn't the fuel economy that was his favorite part of the upgrade.

"It's the things that don't go into the air up there," Morash said, pointing to the ship's smoke stacks. "That's huge." EPA estimates predict that the new engines will represent a dramatic reduction in emissions. The new engines should emit only about ten percent of harmful substances such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter compared to the old Enterprise engines.

This was especially noticeable upon start-up, said the company's newest part-owner Chris Secord, who was pleased to say that the cloud of smoke that the Enterprise engines spewed when they started was absent. "There was nothing," he said.

Along with the engines, the boat received a fresh coat of paint and a renovated second deck banquet room, named the "Captain's Lounge". The room offers 270-degree views of the lake and surrounding mountains and can accommodate groups of up to 60 people.

The changes are all part of a million-dollar upgrade, much of which was funded through the Environmental Protection Agency. Secord said the upgrades prove that "the company really focuses on longevity," evidence of which is the enthusiasm with which they welcomed a new 25 year-old owner like himself. Secord, not too long ago, worked as a bartender on the boat.

"He's a fantastic young gentleman who has a love for the lake, just like I did when I was his age. He brings new spirit and life blood, an excellent addition," said Morash. "We're looking for a type of person who sees this as a labor of love," he said, noting that the 230-foot vessel's history is far greater than the tenure of any single owner. "We're stewards of this vehicle," he said.

At the end of the cruise, it appeared the stewards had performed their job well. The dignitaries and guests aboard, including the state's first couple, were impressed with the smooth, quiet operation of the iconic ship, and officials presented Morash with the certificates necessary to continue for another season.

"We're really gearing up to maintain our status on Lake Winnipesaukee for many years to come," said Secord.