Close Encounter Ecotours

 Close Encounters is bringing a fresh look and different perspective to marine tourism with emphasis on reducing the human influence on the marine environment. Captain Tim will show how the San Juan Islands are unique in the Northwest and what keeps the wildlife wild here. Tim is catering to the "Boomer" generation with his 1950's vintage boat and theme. 

Ecotourism

Ecotourism is in Tim’s opinion, more than a buzzword. It’s a national, perhaps international trend in tourism. Having seen the local nature tour industry up close, Tim decided to try his new venture with an “Ecotourism” emphasis. 

What makes Close Encounters Ecotourism?

The boat is one of the facets that make Close Encounters Ecotours  ecospecial. The boat, a Skagit 31 Saratogan, was locally built in the Skagit Plastics factory, LaConner Washington in 1958-59.  The three Saratogans were at that time, world’s largest all fiberglass cruisers. Tim considers the Skagit 31 to be 1950’s Art Deco in Fiberglass….a truly beautiful and well built design!

Eco Friendly Propulsion

Unique to Close Encounters Tours will be the Saratogan’s electric propulsion system. Between the two main diesel engines is a 10 horsepower electric traction motor.  The electric motor drives the boat via a variable pitch propeller. When in the vicinity of wildlife, the electric power plant will push the 31 Skagit to a maximum of about five knots in virtual silence and with zero pollution.

Even the antifouling bottom coating Tim has chosen is a special eco-friendly nonsloughing epoxy.

Tim hopes to demonstrate to the Wildlife Tourism Industry, that it is possible to provide very low impact wildlife tours in San Juan County and elsewhere. 

Where did Tim's idea for hybrid diesel/electric power come from?

Back in the 1970's, Tim studied plans for converting a car to electric propulsion. Tim acquired the traction motor and various components from military surplus.  From the research, Tim concluded that hybrid diesel electric propulsion was the most energy efficient. 

In cruises to the Canadian Gulf islands and fjords, Tim thought, wouldn't it be wonderful if I could cruise through these mirror calm waters in silence. 

During the restoration of the Saratogan, Tim returned the boat to twin engines (from single engine). This left a center stern tube (for a single propeller) unused. Putting together his knowledge of electric propulsion acquired earlier and desire to have a boat capable of silent cruising…… and……. an unused propeller shaft, the concept of silent hybrid diesel electric propulsion became a reality.

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island Washington in the 50's

Captain Tim's 30 Years on the Water

In my youth, I boated with family in the San Juan Islands. Always thought it would be a great place to live. I got the opportunity in 1975 when West Sound Marina on Orcas Island hired me to be their service manager.

Three years later I ventured out on my own with Tim's Mobile Marine. I did a lot of work for the bare-boat charter companies, keeping their fleets running. I also found myself towing and salvaging boats. Obtained my masters license in 1985 and continued to do a lot of marine assistance work, often working in conjunction with the Coast Guard. In 1995 took on the Boat US contract provided towing and salvage services covering all of northern Puget Sound, Port Townsend to the Canadian Boarder. A big area that kept me very busy. I've also done a lot of voluntary search and rescue here in the islands.

I probably have close to ten thousand operating hours on the water, much of it here in San Juan County. I've run in all weather and sea conditions, day and night. I've completed about 4000 cases and salvaged about 300 vessels. I've also been involved some large scale, high profile cases, such as the ferry Elwha which hit the southern shoreline of Orcas Island at speed in 1982, holing the steel hull.

My oldest son, Graeme worked with me a great deal. He could operate my twin diesel towboat at age 13. He got his masters license at age 21. Today he is a Coast Guard reservist.

In 1997 incorporated as Marine Response Team Inc. and created Close Encounters in 1999. I've wanted to share my extensive knowledge of the San Juan Islands and decided it was time to Launch Close Encounters Ecotours.

Over the years, I've saved a lot of vacations and helped improve attitudes when things weren’t going well for folks on vacation. I've assisted and/or towed thousands of boats and saved a few lives. It's been a very personally rewarding occupation.