Ferry may stop to replace engine

The ferry "Wahkiakum" may go out of service May 6, 8:30 a.m., to replace an engine.

Public Works Director Pete Ringen has recommended the board of county commissioners authorize him to obtain quotes for replacing the starboard engine. Commissioners may act on the recommendation at their meeting next Tuesday.

"The starboard engine of the ferry ‘Wahkiakum’ was last replaced in 2008," Ringen wrote in a report to the commissioners. "A typical service life for these engines has been about four years, so it is well past due. Rather than wait for engine failure, engine replacement is planned for Monday, May 6, 2013."

Ringen said the commission will also need to decide whether or not to rebuild the engine that is removed from the ferry.

"The port engine has over three years of use already, and would have in excess of 4½ years of use at the time of planned delivery of the new ferry," Ringen said. "It seems prudent to go ahead and rebuild the engine and have it ready as a spare in case it is needed before the ferry is replaced."

According to Ringen's report, the last two engine rebuilds cost approximately $25,000, 3- 5 years ago. Labor and parts may be somewhat higher, he said.

Ferry operating cost losses are reimbursable at an 80 percent rate through an agreement with Washington State Department of Transportation, subject to legislative appropriation.

The commission has called for bids for a new ferry to replace the Wahkiakum. The board will open bids this month and expects to have the new ferry, which will be named "Oscar B." in service in late 2014.