Mavrik Marine launches whale watching boat

The Ocean Guardian tested eastern Pacific, Puget Sound waters this past week, down the Swinomish Channel and into Skagit Bay, but it will soon be plying the mid-ocean waters off Maui. Built by Mavrik Marine in La Conner, it went into the water the week of February 5. It is going to Seattle this week, where it will be loaded on a barge for delivery in Maui.

Friday, February 9, U.S. Coast Guard staff were on board at The Port of Skagit Marina inspecting and certifying the ferry. Company owner Zachary Battle reflected afterward “The boat performed beyond expectations during trial. It exceeded that requirement.”

This is the fifth catamaran passenger ferry built by Mavrik Marine. They have ranged in size from 70 to 100 feet. Another 98-footer will launch in March.

The Ocean Guardian is powered by twin Cummins 450 horsepower diesels.

The Pacific Whale Foundation ordered the boat, Battle said. The 150 passenger ferry will be used for tours, snorkeling and whale watching. Battle said it is a sub chapter T U.S Coast Guard passenger vessel, certified for 150 passengers. It is 70 by 25 feet.

Battle is proud of his workforce of 94. They built the boat in eight months. He called it a really good project, without challenges. “It’s typical. We do it right. Generally speaking we have a really good team here. This particular project was a really good example and a result based on that.”

He praised his collaborators: “It’s good to be in La Conner. We are happy with The Port of Skagit. It’s been great. Local businesses and our neighbors are great to work with: Dunlap Towing, La Conner Maritime Fabrication and the Town of La Conner.”

The company will soon be building their one hundredth boat.