Engine Repower & New Generator

What have we been up to the last few weeks? The Island Explorer 5 has been in Bellingham, Washington, receiving service for a brand new port engine and generator!

This planned procedure was scheduled to take place strategically toward the end of our 2025 season so we'll be in perfect shape for 2026. So why did the old engine have to go? Luckily, we weren't facing anything unexpected. We prioritize safety first and foremost, and hold our equipment to the highest standard-- which means clean, efficient, and new. Our old port engine had run for about 10,000 hours, which meant it was time for a precautionary swap with a fresh engine; a 1200 PH V12 MAN from Germany. Our port generator was also running at about 10,000 hours and therefore also required a trade out with a new 32 KW Northern Lights generator. These procedures took place at the same time and lasted a week in total.

The process began with cutting a hole in the deck just outside of our aft port main cabin door. Once this was complete, a forklift was brought in and carefully positioned to allow drop down chains to attach to the engine, which had been detached from our ZF transmission in preparation for transit. Slowly, the old engine was cranked up on chain falls until it was above the deck. The forklift then pivoted the old engine off the boat and onto a trailer. This engine will be transferred back to Tri-County Diesel Marine to be cleaned up, ready to use again. A few days later, when the new engine was ready to be lowered in, we completed the entire process in reverse. Finally, we welded the hole in the deck closed.

But what about our starboard side engine and generator? When they reach 10,000 hours, they'll get a swap out as well. We keep our engine swaps on an alternating rotation for maximum efficiency. This routine maintenance is a large reason why the Island Explorer 5, although having gone into service in 2017 and taken over 200,000 guests whale watching, still runs like she's brand new. We take extreme care in keeping our vessel up to date with the highest safety standards possible because we know having a clean, safe, and comfortable boat enhances guest experience out on the water. That's why we do what we do!

Hats off to our crew who work hard all year long making sure our vessel stays in shipshape, and a huge thank you to the mechanics at Tri-County Diesel Marine. We've trusted their expertise for years and they continue to exceed our expectations with every service. As always, they did a phenomenal job with our new engine and generator installation and we're so grateful for their professional and trustworthy service. Finally, we wanted to thank the amazing work of Northwest Fabrication, who have been taking care of our welding for years. It takes a village to keep the Island Explorer 5 in her best possible shape, and we're so thankful for everyone's commitment and teamwork!

Keep in mind, our season isn't over yet! We have three tours remaining in November-- the 22nd, 28th, and 29th-- all departing at 12PM. Want to get out on the water before the end of the year and enjoy the state-of-the-art comfort we work so hard to preserve? Join us for one of our last tours of the season!

-The Island Adventures Team