Boston Ferry M/V Outward Bound Gets Mid-Life Engine Repower

A Mid-Life Refit for a Boston Harbor Workhorse

According to a report published by The Maritime Executive (originally released by Laborde Products), the passenger ferry M/V Outward Bound has completed a mid-life refit centered on a full engine repower. The 64-foot steel vessel, built in 1995 by Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, carries visitors and supplies to the Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School in Boston Harbor.

The refit, carried out by Gladding-Hearn, saw Windward Power Systems replace the ferry’s original Detroit Diesel 8V92 with a Mitsubishi S6B3 Tier 3 engine supplied through Laborde Products. The new mechanical engine is rated at 429 horsepower at 1940 RPM.

Why the Repower Matters

Swapping out a legacy engine for a Tier 3-compliant unit is a common path for older domestic ferries that need to keep operating without a full hull or platform redesign. In this case, Windward Power Systems handled the integration, installation, and commissioning of the new propulsion package, tailoring it to the vessel’s existing operating profile rather than forcing a wholesale redesign of the engine room.

Nathan Tynan, President of Windward Power Systems, said the process began with understanding how the vessel actually operates before selecting an engine. He noted that the S6B3 was a natural fit for the Outward Bound and expressed pride in extending the service life of a vessel that has worked Boston Harbor for decades.

The project also underscores the value of manufacturer-dealer relationships in vessel repowers. Laborde Products’ dealer network — of which Windward Power Systems is a part — provides localized sales, service, and technical support. Jacob Yoder, Dealer Development Representative at Laborde Products, said working with dealers is central to the company’s approach, which includes training, technical resources, and backing so dealers can deliver dependable outcomes for customers.

Keeping Aging Ferries in Service

With the repower finished, the Outward Bound is set to resume its transportation duties for the island’s outdoor education programs, now running on the new Mitsubishi engine.

What This Means for Owners and Managers

For operators of small passenger vessels and harbor ferries, stories like this one are a reminder that a mid-life engine repower is often a more practical and cost-effective route than replacing an entire vessel — provided the hull and platform remain sound. But that assumption only holds if the underlying structure, shafting, and systems have been properly assessed beforehand. A repower project is not just an engine swap; it depends on accurate knowledge of the vessel’s condition, weight distribution, and remaining structural life.

This is where condition surveys and engine room inspections play a critical role before any refit contract is signed. Verifying hull scantlings, shaft alignment tolerances, and existing mechanical wear patterns helps owners and yards avoid costly surprises mid-project, and it gives naval architects and engine suppliers like Laborde Products the data they need to properly match a new engine to an aging platform. For vessels approaching 30 years of service, as the Outward Bound is, a documented condition assessment ahead of a repower can also support insurers, class societies, and financing decisions tied to the vessel’s extended operational life.

As ferry operators and small craft owners increasingly look to repower rather than replace aging tonnage — driven by emissions tiers and cost pressures alike — the pairing of careful engine selection with rigorous pre-refit inspection is likely to become standard practice across the sector.

Reviewed by Ibrahim Halil Ceylan, Marine Surveyor at Apeks Marine.