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Post by old_wsf_fan on Jul 28, 2007 17:22:22 GMT -8
The Elwha had left Colman dock Saturday morning. I saw what I think was the Elwha on the PT. Townsend Tower Cam going southbound at about 3:30pm. I think she might have been up in the Islands today? Something must have gone wrong.
Does anybody have more info?
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Post by Barnacle on Jul 28, 2007 20:41:15 GMT -8
Yes, I do. It's still out on sea trials, and with any luck it'll be back by mid-August. But I have to ask:
Why is it that "something must have gone wrong" when a ferry that has been out of service for over a year suddenly makes an appearance?
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Post by old_wsf_fan on Jul 28, 2007 21:54:54 GMT -8
Sorry, must be that half-full glass thing again. ;D
I base my assumption on the return to service target date I've seen as being this weekend. I saw her gone from Colman dock, her old assignment was the San Juans Islands, then I see her on a webcam going southbound. I did not know that her sea trials would take her that far.
She did look like she was going at a pretty good clip, albeit that webcam is not realtime.
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Post by zman on Jul 29, 2007 0:07:27 GMT -8
She was gone ALOT on Friday. She took off around 8:30, returned later in the afternoon (to the Bainbridge slip, while the Wenatchee was in slip 2), and left again for a couple of hours, and returned again...That was wierd.
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Post by EGfleet on Jul 29, 2007 8:14:39 GMT -8
She was gone ALOT on Friday. She took off around 8:30, returned later in the afternoon (to the Bainbridge slip, while the Wenatchee was in slip 2), and left again for a couple of hours, and returned again...That was wierd. She's still doing sea trials. Yesterday they must have needed to to get a long voyage in as she was at the Anacortes dock when the Chelan got back from Sidney yesterday afternoon. She took off and headed back south after that.
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Post by Barnacle on Jul 29, 2007 19:47:08 GMT -8
Probably needed a good long WOT (Wide Open Throttle) run to see what all. Also they may have wanted to see how much (or little) fun it was to try to get into the Anacortes slip with the plant in her new configuration. It's a lot heavier than the other Supers for starts, and she wasn't in optimal configuration yet when I drove. I'm sure they're zeroing in on peak handling performance by now...
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Post by chokai on Aug 4, 2007 21:19:06 GMT -8
Elwha was steaming at high speed off Possession Point and Scatchet Head on Whidbey Island around 4:30 today. Headed south. Did she make another long distance test run up to Anacortes?
I saw from the maintenance schedule she's supposed to be inspected soon.
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Post by zman on Aug 4, 2007 22:42:30 GMT -8
She left Seattle around 8:30 this morning...early mornings and long days!
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Post by Barnacle on Aug 5, 2007 5:55:07 GMT -8
I got a chance to shoot the breeze with the captains on board the Elwha yesterday as she went by at twenty knots. They're apparently trying to get some "hard running" engine time on one of the engines. It was looking good and didn't appear to be smoking at all, which is quite an improvement.
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Post by Ferry Fanatic on Aug 5, 2007 17:04:32 GMT -8
I was wondering what all was done on the Elwha this last refurbishment? I know she got a paint job, control upgrades. Did she recieve new engines and interior?
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Post by EGfleet on Aug 5, 2007 17:18:06 GMT -8
I was wondering what all was done on the Elwha this last refurbishment? I know she got a paint job, control upgrades. Did she recieve new engines and interior? The short answer is no and no.
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Post by Barnacle on Aug 7, 2007 12:47:50 GMT -8
Virtually all the refurb work was below decks. There were some minor alterations in the pilothouse, but they didn't extend to replacing the forward windows... which is fine with me, really; the cost of changing the vertical windows to forward-leaning ones isn't worth the minimal improvement to the visibility.
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Post by hergfest on Aug 8, 2007 15:12:24 GMT -8
Well, it's official: The Elwha is back this weekend!
SEATTLE - Washington State Ferries will be making a number of vessel changes this weekend to accommodate the need for vessel maintenance.
San Juans
The MV Elwha will replace a sister ship, the MV Kaleetan in the San Juan Islands. These vessels are the same size so there will be no impact to service.
Seattle/Bremerton
On Sunday, August 12, the smaller Kaleetan (144-car) will replace the slightly larger MV Walla Walla (188-car) on the Seattle/Bremerton route. While it carries fewer vehicles, the Kaleetan carries 500 more passengers. Customers are encouraged to either leave a vehicle on either side of the water and walk on the ferry or, to ease loading, commuters can also join with friends in setting up three person temporary carpools. Interested commuters can contact Nicole Patrick at Patricn@wsdot.wa.gov or 206.515.3857 for more information.
Edmonds/Kingston
The Walla Walla will replace the slightly larger MV Puyallup (202-cars) on the Edmonds/Kingston route while the Puyallup goes to the Seattle/Bainbridge route to replace its sister ship, MV Tacoma. The Tacoma and the Puyallup are the same size so there will be no change in service on the Seattle/Bainbridge route.
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Post by SS San Mateo on Aug 10, 2007 8:20:25 GMT -8
When was the last time every vessel in the fleet made at least 1 trip in the same year?
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Post by old_wsf_fan on Aug 10, 2007 18:45:32 GMT -8
I am so glad to see the Elwha returning to the fleet. It is going to take an incredible amount of pressure off WSF in regards to not having enough vessels of the proper size to go around.
I know it is not a perfect scenario, but it does help to have the capacity back somewhat.
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Post by Barnacle on Aug 11, 2007 7:46:20 GMT -8
Well, we shall see this afternoon. I hear they've got it dialed in pretty well, as far as handling like it used to... I'm just always leery after a boat is out of service for that long of a period of time.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2007 9:24:07 GMT -8
Yesterday we went over to Lopez Island for business and to my surprise the Elwha was in berth 1 at Anacortes when we arrived around 1400 along with the Chelan. We took the Hyak at 1430 over to Lopez and the terminal at Anacortes was a mess, thankfully we were able to walk on. Upon departure the Elwha was no where in site the only boat I saw was the Yakima next to us and the Chelan in the Straits heading to Sidney. The restaurant on the Hyak wasn't open when we got on board and stayed that way until about 10 mins after departure. There was some angry passengers waiting for some food at the doors. Unfortuntatly we had to eat some of that horrible food as we didn't have time for lunch in Anacortes due to traffic. I don't mind spending $25 for food as long as it's good as cost is not the issue here. However, when you purchase 2 cheeseburgers, potatoe wedges, hot wings, 2 pepsi's and cheetoes you expect things to be hot and the buns not to be soggy. On our return we arrived at the Lopez ferry terminal around 1730 and were standing around talking waiting for our boat when the Hyak arrived from Anacortes (the scheduled 1800 to Friday Harbour) the mention over the intercom that the schedule 1745 to Anacortes would have to wait for the 1800 to off load and load and then our sailing would come in to pick up cars and passengers. I was expecting to ride the Kaleetan but instead here came to Elwha rounding the point right behind the Hyak. Sure enough the Elwha had already replanced the Kaleetan and we were going to get a chance to ride on her. She was packed with people when we boarded and I noticed quickly that the cardeck was looking pretty good as well as what appeared to be new wiring up above it. Going upstrairs the main cabin was packed and looked the same as it always did, same chairs the only thing different was the carpet at the top of each "stair tower" going into the main and upper cabins. We went and sat in the upper cabin and noticed that the restaurant was closed. The seats where we sat were the same as well as the tables. The outside decks were nice and clean and look as though they may have been resurfaced. However, the bathrooms where a mess, the walls where all "tagged" in the stalls and has WSF gone so cheap as not to place paper towels in the restrooms any longer both the Hyak and Elwha had no towels in them. The Hyak was just plain out of them and the lady in the restaurant told us we would have to mention it to a crew member in a "orange vest". And the Elwha didn't even have a place to hold them only a hand drier. Upon arrival in Anacortes the gates that they roll back to put down the passenger walkway where not working correctly. One came off the track and the other got stuck. Also of note: I went out to take some pictures of the Yakima passing us and got choked out from all the smoke coming out of the funnels that was blowing down on to the upper deck. I must say the Elwha is fast but that's all she has going for her! Overall I was most uninpressed by the Elwha. How much did the WSF spend on her while she was out? How come they don't care about their customers and think about what they might want aboard the vessel? I enjoy travelling on BCF so much more that WSF at least BCF has good customer service and better vessels! I believe that the people "behind the scenes" need to get out a ride some of their boats and then maybe they will learn to put some money towards customer service and better interiors for the passengers so they dont feel like cattle. Or better yet start thinking of some new boats to replace the Super Class all together! I think that they have past their prime and are ready for retirement.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Aug 12, 2007 10:01:50 GMT -8
YVR makes some interesting points. I say "interesting" because they are somewhat a contrast to commonly-heard comments from people about BC Ferry ships that have recently come out of refit.
Those of you (us) who follow the BC ferry refits know that there is a recent history of passenger-amenities being done during refit, seemingly at the expense of mechanical work not done. Or at least the "regular breakdowns" that predictably occur soon after a vessel returns from extensive-refit give that impression.
So that's why I found it interesting that member-YVR was commenting on a Lack of amenities on a vessel that's just come out of refit/repairs.
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Post by Ferryman on Aug 12, 2007 11:05:05 GMT -8
I haven't seen "yvr" comment on the lack of amenities on this thread, yet. But I do see that QPR has had a chance to ride the Elwha since it has returned to service, and has written a thurough report on he's experience aboard the vessel.
I can't say I've ever been on any WSF vessels...yet. But the type of rider experience comments I'm noticing from a few other members, is that WSF is strictly a "get you from point A, to Point B" type service. Any other amenities are likely just for extra profits.
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Post by SS Shasta on Aug 12, 2007 12:09:31 GMT -8
After reading QPR's account on the "new" MV Elwha, I do look forward (hopefully next week) of my annual journey to the Islands and a ride on the revered MV Evergreen State.
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Post by EGfleet on Aug 12, 2007 16:33:18 GMT -8
I haven't seen "yvr" comment on the lack of amenities on this thread, yet. But I do see that QPR has had a chance to ride the Elwha since it has returned to service, and has written a thurough report on he's experience aboard the vessel. I can't say I've ever been on any WSF vessels...yet. But the type of rider experience comments I'm noticing from a few other members, is that WSF is strictly a "get you from point A, to Point B" type service. Any other amenities are likely just for extra profits. Ha! Extra profits, that's a good one! WSF has run in the red since 1952! As for the Elwha...bear in mind yesterday was her first day in service in 15 months. She's essentially been in "storage" for over a year while work has been going on. As for the restroom not having any paper towels I think a great deal of the WSF vessels these days only have the hand driers--I know the Chelan only has hand dryers. There was no galley because there was no time to stock her up. It usually takes a day or two for Olympic Cascade to get the galley up and running...and they do so completely understaffed. There is only one employee working in the galleys up here in the Islands...I know for example that means on the Chelan there is ONE person responsible for trying to prepare the food (such as it is) take the money and keep the galley clean when there have been over 500 people on board. That's not WSF's fault, that's Olympic Cascade's fault. Also remember that the galley employees are completely independent from the deck hands--they belong to the same union but the galley employees are only responsible for the galley--which is why she told you to mention it to the deckhands that the restroom was out of paper towels. WSF staffs the boats with the bare minimum of crew they can legally get away with. This leaves only time to clean the vessel in between loading and unloading. They can only do so much and when you've got a boat full of 500 people it's not to hard to see why the paper towels can get used up and not restocked immediately. What did the state spend on the Elwha? I've heard 4 million. And I don't believe that includes the paint (I have to say from the outside she looks sharp, the paint job looks great.) Remember though, other than the propulsion unit, it was not a scheduled refit--it was emergency repairs to the burned out drive motor. There was never any plan to refurbish her in any way. The only reason some of the tile got replaced was because the deck was rusting out from under it. Realistically, WSF needs to be working on replacements for the Supers now. The Elwha's refurbishment was nearly 20 years ago. The Yakima and Kaleetan were refurbished nearly ten years ago. The Hyak has never been refurbished. There will probably come a time in the not to distant future when another Super is going to suffer another big failure like the drive motor on the E lwha....Maybe then we'll get some of the folks in Olympia to pay attention to the fact that WSF's fleet is ancient and needs serious upgrading immediately.
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Post by SS San Mateo on Aug 12, 2007 17:00:18 GMT -8
As for the restroom not having any paper towels I think a great deal of the WSF vessels these days only have the hand driers--I know the Chelan only has hand dryers. The 3 vessels regularly assigned to the Vashon route all have paper towels in addition to hand driers (one of the driers on the Issaquah hasn't worked in years... I suspect it was turned off but never removed). The Kitsap has one of those towel roll machines, but it's empty.
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Post by Barnacle on Aug 13, 2007 8:00:21 GMT -8
QPR--
Wow. I'm sorry you had such a poor experience with the Elwha. As it happens, I was aboard and working that day. I'll have to take a deeper look at the restrooms... mind you, please understand that both our Ajax (the slightly abrasive scouring powder) and our vandalism remover were taken away by the Safety Office and we haven't had a chance to order replacement vandalism remover yet (we won't get the Ajax back, much to the crews' dismay). Anyway, how crowded was the sailing?
WSF did not put hardly any money into improving the interior of the vessel; there wasn't funding available. The propulsion control system sucked it all up. Moreover, the boat's interior was refurbished in the early 1990s, so I don't think it's up for a few more years (if ever). The new floor tile you may have spotted has new deck plating under it.
As for the galley, EvergreenFleet's already covered that--the vessel's return to service date was not a firm thing until about Thursday, and with the last of the sea trials and data gathering, the contractors simply didn't have a chance to get the galley stocked and set up. The food that was on board was well past pull date and was simply removed.
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Post by SS Shasta on Aug 13, 2007 16:41:50 GMT -8
Does MV Elwha still maintain current documents for assignment to the international run to Sidney, BC?
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Post by SS San Mateo on Aug 13, 2007 18:22:51 GMT -8
Does MV Elwha still maintain current documents for assignment to the international run to Sidney, BC? Nope. SOLAS certificate expired and additional work needs to be done for re-certification. Based on another post on the previous page, it sounds like the needed work won't be done.
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