PORT TOWNSEND — An issue with a backup generator could delay the MV Salish’s projected maiden voyage Friday and Washington State Ferries’ goal to have the boat in service to Whidbey Island for the busy July 4 weekend.

“At this point, getting the boat into service is a day-by-day endeavor,” said state ferries’ spokeswoman Marta Coursey.

“This is an aggressive schedule, but we still hope to be in operation by this weekend.”

Coursey said the generator problem was a “technicality” that was discovered Monday.

“We are troubleshooting this and hope it is fixed soon,” she said.

During the same inspection, the U.S. Coast Guard determined that the Salish’s crew had received proper training and was ready for service.

Whenever the Salish takes to the water, it will mark the first time the Port Townsend-Coupeville route will be served by two boats since 70-year-old Steel Electric class boats were taken out of service for safety reasons in November 2007.

The 64-vehicle ferry is the second of three Kwa-di Tabil class of new ferryboats contracted by the state at a cost of $213.2 million and built on Puget Sound.

The first, MV Chetzemoka, began service last November.

Port Townsend will still host a community celebration for the new boat on Thursday, whether the Salish goes into service Friday or not.

The public celebration is planned at 11 a.m. in slip No. 2 at the Port Townsend ferry terminal, with a vessel open house from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Currently, sailings of the Chetzemoka are 90 minutes apart. With two boats, that time will be cut in half.

The celebration for the Salish will be less elaborate than Chetzemoka’s rollout, which featured Gov. Chris Gregoire and U.S., Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge Island.

The Salish will be welcomed by state Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, chairwoman of the Senate Transportation Committee who fought to keep the second boat on the Port Townsend-Coupeville route after the state ferries system suggested it could be moved to another route to cut costs.

Also scheduled to appear Thursday are Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond and state ferries chief David Moseley.

The Port Gamble S’Klallam, Jamestown S’Klallam and the Lower Elwha Klallam tribes will present a welcoming ceremony with speeches, singing, dancing and drumming.

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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.