The M/S Mount Washington, a New Hampshire icon, is gearing up to go green over its next winter break. The boat will be refitted with new technology engines, and be renovated to serve the needs of tomorrow's tourism market.

"Over the past 137 years, the M/S Mount Washington engines will have gone from side-wheel to steam to diesel to green," said Glenn Gardner, Director of Sales at Mount Washington Cruises. "We're repowering to serve New Hampshire for the next generation."

The M/S Mount Washington's official season runs from May 23rd through October 24th, and after the attendees of 2009's last glittering cruise have gone ashore, the esteemed vessel will embark on a one million dollar renovation, focusing on recapturing the elegance of earlier years while significantly reducing polluting emissions.
The current Enterprise engines that power the Mount burn 33 gallons of fuel per hour. This is extremely efficient considering the size of the engines (615 hp each) and the ship. This winter, the M/S Mount Washington will be installing engines exceeding EPA Tier 2 marine engine standards, reducing NOx, PM, and CO2 emissions in 2010. An EPA grant will help fund the new engines.

"This renovation will help us to recapture the golden age of boating on Lake Winnipesaukee," continued Gardner. "Not only will we be able to offer a higher standard of elegance, but we will also be able to significantly reduce emissions. The last time the engine was replaced was in 1946, with its current twin diesel enterprise engines."

According to U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, "For generations the M/S Mount Washington has been providing New Hampshire families and tourists with a unique opportunity to take in the beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee from the decks of this historic vessel. I am happy to have supported this funding, which will help to ensure that future generations are able experience the same sights while protecting the important resources of the Lakes Region by using environmentally friendly green engines."

U.S. Senator Judd Gregg said, "When visiting Lake Winnipesaukee it is impossible not to recognize the beauty of the M/S Mount Washington. For more than 130 years, this iconic ship has been the most distinguished symbol on the Lake. These competitively awarded grant funds will provide for needed repairs and renovations, and the installation of new environmentally friendly engines.  These important upgrades will reduce pollution in the Lake and ensure that the Mount is able to navigate the waters for generations of visitors and residents to come."

The current twin 615 horsepower Enterprise diesel engines were installed in the spring of 1946 at the conclusion of WWII. At the time, all steam equipment was removed and replaced with electrical power including the steering plant and propellers. The wheelhouse was also moved from the second deck to the third deck to improve viability.

Its original steam engines, which had been taken years earlier from a ship on Lake Champlain, Vermont, were replaced by Enterprise diesel engines, which added 30 tons to the ship's weight and enable it to be run on electricity. 

The pre-existing steam engines had to be removed and the two new diesel engines lowered into place by 25-ton chainfalls. After these renovations, the state of New Hampshire's Public Service Commission inspected and licensed the vessel for sail during August of 1946. 

"When I first came into this company some thirty years ago, I had the honor to work with many of the people that brought the M/S Mount Washington to New Hampshire in 1940," adds Jim Morash, Captain and General Manager of Mount Washington Cruises. "It is my privilege to know that someday this New Hampshire landmark can be passed on to the next generation in a condition that will ensure its existence for many years to come."

For 63 years, the twin diesel Enterprise engines have faithfully served visitors and residents of New Hampshire. This season, the staff and crew of the M/S Mount Washington plan to commemorate the rich history of the engines with special tours of the engine room and screenings of a short historical video in the Steamboat Lounge during daytime scenic cruises.

"This season offers the last opportunity to experience the Mount the way your father and grandfather did," emphasized Gardner.

The "Enterprise" company was so-named by its German immigrant founder in about 1886 because he believed the United States was truly the "land of enterprise." 

During World War II, the Enterprise Engine company built hundreds of diesel engines for the United States Navy.  Very few of the Enterprise engines remain in use today and, among those that are, most are being used in tugboats. 

In the past 137 years, there have been only two vessels on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH, named Mount Washington.  A 175' side-wheeler steamer (1872-1939) and a 230' diesel vessel (1940-present).  In the early days, the side-wheeler made stops at Bear Island, Long Island, Diamond Island and Glendale in addition to her normal ports of call of Center Harbor, Wolfeboro, Alton Bay and Weirs Beach. The side-wheeler Mount Washington was built in Alton Bay at a cost of $62,000 while the present-day Mount was built in Lakeport at a cost of $125,000.

The first Mount had four Captains in her 67-year history, while the present day Mount has had 12 Captains (5 currently) in her 63 years on the lake. It takes a minimum of seven crew members just to take the ship out of port.  However, the Mount usually carries an average of 15 crew each cruise. Mount Washington Cruises employs 15 people year-round and hires over 100 each year for the operating season.

The M/S Mount Washington is a 230 ft. ship with 4 levels, 3 dance floors, and several outside areas for enjoying the cruise during the daytime or evening.

It is also possible to check in on a cruise from anywhere by accessing the web camera on the website http://www.cruisenh.com. The camera is mounted above the wheelhouse, providing a captain's view.

The family-owned Mount operates May through October, offering daytime scenic, evening dinner & dance, and special themed cruises. With a capacity of 1,250 passengers, the Mount serves as the largest restaurant in the state and a popular gathering point for school proms, college reunions, large corporate celebrations and weddings – approximately 700 happy couples have tied the knot aboard the M/S Mount Washington.

To learn more about Mount Washington Cruises' 137th cruising season, to request a brochure, purchase gift certificates, as well as a variety of season passes, please call toll-free 1-888-843-6686, local 603-366-5531, or visit their website for cruise schedule information at http://www.cruisenh.com.