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Post by Edmondsguy on Jun 12, 2023 16:06:02 GMT -8
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Post by Edmondsguy on Apr 18, 2023 2:34:41 GMT -8
I wonder if the Sidney route could return in 2025 would WSF even consider regaining SOLAS on MV Chelan or would new vessel get upgraded? 2025 isn't realistic. Even if crewing levels are restored by then, WSF doesn't have enough vessels to cover the route. Next newbuild isn't expected until 2027 at the earliest (and that's optimistic, BTW), so WSF's projected 2030 timeline for restoring Sidney is likely also optimistic. IF service to Sidney ever gets restored, I kexpect it won't be with Chelan, which will be nearly 50 years old by then. Personally, I'm predicting it will be a SOLAS upgraded MV Suquamish. Less likely, though certainly possible, is one of the hybrid newbuilds. That is, of course, assuming the route gets restored at all. The Suqamish is really needed back on the run it was built for Clinton/Mukilteo
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Post by Edmondsguy on Apr 18, 2023 2:24:37 GMT -8
I'm more curious as to why they didn't drop anchors out in Rich Passage, but we will find out in time I'm sure. Do Super Class ferries even have anchors? Or do any WSF ferries have them? I really don't remember ever seeing an anchor onboard or winch system for one. Yes, they have anchors. the reason you don't want to drop anchor in rich passage Ferries do not have the right of way there. Puget Sound naval ship yard does.
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Post by Edmondsguy on Feb 11, 2023 18:50:25 GMT -8
Haven't heard much about the Chimacum, both on here or from WSF, following her breakdown requiring a tug back in February. Was apparently a reduction gear failure more severe that what the Tokitae experienced and has since been fixed. Surprised they haven't had her back yet, given its been 6 months. Anyone have any further info on this? Chimacum has basically been out of service for a year now, with these reduction gear issues. No idea or updates on a fix as of now from WSF - does anyone have any further insight as to what is going on that I've yet to catch wind of? My understanding is that the manufacturer no longer makes parts that are needed for the chimacum. as well as Martinac didn't do the best job when building her to begin with.
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Post by Edmondsguy on Dec 21, 2022 0:00:15 GMT -8
Did someone here have wooden ferry boats as a child's toy? I am looking for some ideas to recreate some I saw and some that I had as a child.
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Post by Edmondsguy on Aug 7, 2020 11:41:04 GMT -8
Just did my bit and voted in the primary. Jumping on the political front a little bit here, I'm really hoping Eyman (the sponsor of I-976) doesn't make it past the primary. I don't think he will. Honestly, I think it will be Jay Inslee (the incumbent) vs. Loren Culp. I'll tell you right now my standing. I voted for Inslee in the primary and will again in November. I think he's done a credible job as governor and a good job overall in handling the COVID crisis in Washington. And, yes, COVID is putting a huge dent in the state budget, and it will be interesting to see where this leaves funding for new ferries, terminals, and the like. I suspect fleet replacements will take longer than originally planned. The Issaquahs may have to soldier on past 50 years, the planned retirement age for those vessels. Thank you, we're of like-mind although I an independent voted Freed in the primary. Mainly strategically voting as an Independent with enough Rs to stop Eyman. Looks like folks rejected for Governor an initiative author with a horrid success rate. Inferring from Culp's comments on state spending; I worry about the future of WSF if he's in charge. But I don't see him winning in November. I do think the Issaquahs will have to sail on longer due to Covid19 medical-economic crisis; hopefully able to serve their last years as emergency reserve boats. Especially as Anacortes-Sidney will restart with only one boat due to SOLAS requirements, if at all. At last, a little good news... At least for the Issaquah Class. Due to the efforts of Senator Maria Cantwell, two of the Issaquah Class (at the moment I don't which two) have received a $5 million federal grant to replace the reduction gears. According to the article "...purchase new reduction gear components to maintain its ferries. The parts have reached or exceeded their 20-year lifespan, and if they failed it would cost the agency 15 months of lost service, or nearly $3 million per failure, according to the news release." The Issaquahs, once the most trouble-plagued vessels in the fleet, have now become some of the most reliable vessels, and as such are being worked, quite literally, to death. from Evergreenfleet site.
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Post by Edmondsguy on Aug 28, 2019 10:42:25 GMT -8
It's true. Saw the Maintenance Schedule that came out today. No Elwha, Chelan runs Sydney. Kitsap to Mukilteo for Tokitae, Sealth (along with Cathlamet and Issaquah) at the Triangle for Kittitas which is going to drydock, Tillikum to Eagle Harbor to change out her reduction gear bearings with ones taken out of the Klahowya and Salish to Friday Harbor for Tilly reducing PT to one boat service Sept 28 to Oct 13 (The end of two boat service for 2019). Being a 33 year WSF employee, I got my finger on the pulse in the happenings of the Green and White Fleet but will use the other WSF motto here, "Subject to Change without Notice" Now days I am just along for the ride. I still say Yuck to this. However, I am not surprised at all.
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Post by Edmondsguy on Aug 18, 2019 8:52:17 GMT -8
As she was not built in the United States, an American port of registry is not permitted. If I remember correctly, I think Clipper 1 and 4 were also registered off shore; the Bahamas and Netherlands Antilles comes to mind. Clipper 3 was built in American, was American registered, and thus did the sailing to the San Juans, in compliance with what is commonly called the Jones Act (the name of the proper piece of Legislation is different) Yes you would be correct about the port of registry of each of them and why. III was Built in Freeland Nichols Brothers Boat Builders.
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Post by Edmondsguy on Jul 17, 2019 14:38:59 GMT -8
Doesn't mean much since before I-695 happen this Run was to have had boats this size and 2 new dock 20 years ago. That and since all the work being done on the Deception Pass Bridge for the next 2 years adds to the traffic on this crossing.
I am Just glad I don't work it. I feel awful for those that do.
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Post by Edmondsguy on Jul 16, 2019 12:54:56 GMT -8
Yes, and it's awful! Samish is running about once every 40 mins. Then Kitsap is here now also cutting us down even more. And the Restrooms on the Clinton Dock are out of service. We are the Red Head Step child right now. There was also the "Oops we forget to ask for funding to open the Sundeck this year from the State."
Makes me miss the Days of having 3 boats that were smaller.
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Post by Edmondsguy on Jun 16, 2019 17:42:29 GMT -8
There was a time many moons ago that I wasn't too thrilled when BC Ferries became a public/private operation. Up until that time we had seen to BCFS fleet expand from its' humble beginnings with the dizzying speed both V.M.D and Burrard Drydock churned out the '7 sisters' to the completion of the 'C class' ships. The Coastal Ferry Act, the position of the 'Ferry Commissioner' et al, I thought would be a step backwards from BCFS being directly tied to the Provincial government's umbilical cord. While the current model has, I would argue, been relatively successful, we have witnessed the negative impact(s) that a ruling governments' interference in the coastal operations of BCFS has precipitated on the general operation of the entire fleet. That said, having read the almost unbelievable horror story being spun by the AMHS fleet and the necessity of the WSF system relying on the state Legislature to provide funds in order to keep the sundecks open on their 4 Olympic class vessels has me reaching for my headache pill bottle. So, what's my point here? Both the AMHS and the WSF systems face daunting problems relating to 'funding'. From the renewal of vessels in their fleets to crew size/management, to system-wide operational concerns, one fact keeps rising to the top of the 'problem pile'. Both systems are 100% tied to the whims of their relative political incumbents where we see common-sense solutions being derailed in favour of political opportunism. I, along with many of our forum members, I fear will be long departed from this good earth before there is a seismic shift in the way either the AMHS or WSF fleets are brought under a similar public-private operation that appears to be serving the ferry needs of B.C. and beyond, in a well-managed, progressive manner. The situation at the AMHS is 'tragic'! To get a better understanding of the plight of the AMHS, doing a thorough read of the 'McDowell Group's' study is well worth the time. At the same time, readers may find it interesting to over-lay Alaska's governing political parities, ie. Governors' etc. and see the impacts both positive and negative the ferry system has endured at the whims of elected officials over the course of AMHS's existence. Many of us were not too happy with everything David Hahn did while he occupied the top chair at BCFS, however, looking at the situations both the AMHS and WSF systems are dealing with, now and into the foreseeable future, I would venture that there's a couple of jobs you might be interested in. You already meet the citizenship requirements. Yes. However, there is one huge thing you are forgetting and that is WSF still has NEVER been fully funded since I-695 and as a result it keeps trying to do more with less. We had Private Ferry service here and it failed, that is how and why WSF came to be!
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Post by Edmondsguy on Jun 14, 2019 15:18:00 GMT -8
Looks like the Hyak is planned to be decommissioned in October and the Tillikum will be in permanent relief/emergency fill in. The Hyak is being retired on June 17 actually. No relief period will be extended to October unfortunately. Yep and as a result on the June 18th Mukilteo- Clinton Will have one boat as the Tokitae must undergo a Coast Guard mandated inspection and will be out of service from 9 a.m. to about 3:35 p.m. With no replacement vessels available to supplement service.
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Post by Edmondsguy on May 9, 2019 22:01:35 GMT -8
when is she going to be back? Who knows, seems like anytime something goes down to Portland OR for major work there are always problems, so. Also looking at their past record with building the Columbia and the problems she has had and always has first 3 months after coming back from Portland also.
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Post by Edmondsguy on Mar 29, 2019 11:12:14 GMT -8
Is it just me that questions why on earth the Chimacum is at the triangle?! I mean there has been enough people upset that Issaquah boats if leaving on time don't take enough cars because they leave half empty because of not enough dwell time for the size. Now this! Wow, just wow.
Then placing the Sealth as vessel #2 in the SJ!
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Post by Edmondsguy on Mar 9, 2019 15:48:26 GMT -8
From WA State Ferries: Due to law enforcement activity at the Clinton terminal, service has been suspended on the Mukilteo/Clinton route until further notice. Updates will be provided as conditions change.
This alert was sent on 03/9/2019 at 3:33PM
I talked with my Brother working there and was told all to evacuate the lot due to a bomb threat on the Clinton side.
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Post by Edmondsguy on Jan 26, 2019 19:13:48 GMT -8
The MV Twin Capes was sunk last year to become an artificial reef. My goodness, she looked young... on this side of the continent, she'd be a candidate for steel replacement and another twenty years of life, at least. We really are the geriatric ward of the ferry world. I remember reading The Cape May - Lewes Ferries have been trying to sell of her for years. They have been having a lot of cash flow problems and been keeping their smaller and in some cases older boats. Since before Washington State Ferries had the whole SE Nightmare.
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Post by Edmondsguy on Jan 11, 2019 14:28:02 GMT -8
WASHINGTON STATE FERRY IMPACT DO TO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN. January 2019 Threatening Disruption to Washington State Ferry Service. Furloughs have left the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) operating with extremely limited staff in Washington, putting service at risk for several vessels in the Washington State Ferries (WSF) fleet that are up for inspection during the months of January and February. In order to sail, each vessel is required to undergo an annual inspection by USCG to ensure full compliance with federal and state laws and continue to carry passengers. At least two WSF vessels are due for annual inspections during the week of January 21, MV Chimacum and MV Chelan. At least two additional vessels are due for inspection later this month and early February, MV Salish and MV Tillicum. These vessels currently service the Seattle/Bremerton, Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth, Port Townsend/Keystone and San Juans routes. If the annual inspections on these boats are not completed, they would need to be removed from service and ferry service could be impacted. Additionally, if another vessel is removed from service due to a mechanical or system malfunction, an inspection may be required by the USCG before the vessel is cleared to return to service, which could further impact ferry service for Washingtonians. www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/Fed%20Shutdown%20Impacts%201.2019.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&fbclid=IwAR0_aiM2I9RAA1QNar4XgfDd-1obP2PgckhVQVfOcucAP1gDrUz4yZe_D14
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Post by Edmondsguy on Dec 26, 2018 11:42:54 GMT -8
Rode Suquamish today. The bench seats suck. They are lumpy, stiff and not very comfortable. S just like her sisters. LOL you have to have good posture for them to not feel bad. They remind me of my grandmother always telling me to stand up straight when I was a teen.
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Post by Edmondsguy on Oct 25, 2018 16:55:59 GMT -8
Barnacle, that's because, "it didn't happen" Actually, I do believe there is a very slight variation between the Tokitae and Samish--well, two, actually: 1) The auto deck ports on the Tokitae have two horizontal bars, a la Evergreen class vs. the Samish's one. 2) The stairwell from the passenger cabin to the shelters on the sun deck appear to have longer walls at the base on the stairwell on the Samish. Yes Tokitae does have stairwell that stick out past the walls. and Yes she also has to two horizontal bars, like Evergreen class. I however meant the bulkhead wall in the passenger cabin. those are the same.
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Post by Edmondsguy on Oct 24, 2018 19:44:17 GMT -8
I rode her 4 times yesterday .... but the biggest interior difference that was noted was the addition of a bulkhead wall in the passenger cabin that is meant to reduce vibrations onboard the cabin and inside the pilothouses. Can you be a little more specific? I'm not seeing any extra bulkheads that aren't on the Samish. In the time-honored tradition of the Internet: ... pics or it didn't happen. Barnacle, that's because, "it didn't happen"
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Post by Edmondsguy on Oct 8, 2018 20:56:56 GMT -8
I rode her 4 times yesterday .... but the biggest interior difference that was noted was the addition of a bulkhead wall in the passenger cabin that is meant to reduce vibrations onboard the cabin and inside the pilothouses. That's the same on all four of them, and I take the Tok or the Suqu every day even the first saying of her. and yeah Not sure what you are seeing but that wall is on all four of them.
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Post by Edmondsguy on Sept 15, 2018 10:15:59 GMT -8
Question: Would it be possible, in a pinch, for WSF to temporarily operate a double-ended ferry such as the Salish with damaged steering gear on one end, as a single-ender? I believe that BCF's has done such in similar situations in our end of the Salish Sea. While that has been done many years ago on on some runs like Clinton-Mukileo and Point Defiance-Tahlequah, it is really not something that could be safely done one PT-Keystone (Coupeville). It is also a question of what kind of damage it has and if the rudder is locked in-place so to speak and is it at such a way that it would not be a hazard to so.
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Post by Edmondsguy on Jul 22, 2018 8:28:13 GMT -8
Definitive proof that ridership is way up this year. Yes, I know it's summer, but I don't recall seeing 3 hour waits being posted in the service notices, at least not very often. It seems like that is becoming the "norm" these days, especially on the Edmonds-Kingston route. www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/schedule/bulletin.aspx I see 2 hour waits posted on I-5 at Mukilteo several days a week around 6:45 PM. Has this always been normal? How much longer does driving around take? Say to Coupeville. No it has Not always been normal. 2 hours, would be nice it has been on fridays this summer 3-4 hours they just aren't posting that. So I would say Drive around, depending on the time of day. If you get in line at Goat Trail Rd, you are about to hours, anything closer to Olympic View Middle school you are at 3+. Driving around if the traffic is bad on I-5 to Marysville, then you also have to see what the traffic is like on Fidalgo Island as there is construction projects that make it long lines, and lines to cross the Bridge. So Living on the island and dealing with both of these I will say it's a crapshoot.
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Post by Edmondsguy on May 24, 2018 15:01:25 GMT -8
Why would they go "Electric"? The JM2's are already "Electric". Diesel-Electric with powerful diesel engines turning electric generators. Electricity from the generators are distributed to electric drive motors.
"Battery" is what you should say. They would run their drive motors from batteries instead with diesel generators providing on board charge as needed and shore power cords while touching the wing walls.
LOL. now we can also wait and see if it will Help with the Tacoma's problems, as well she has had awful last few years!
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Post by Edmondsguy on May 22, 2018 0:58:18 GMT -8
Good grief, they really need to get those ferries replaced in the next five years. The Supers are in super bad shape and WSF should really not keep them until their 60-year retirement age. I also am posting a comment on WSF's long range plan website emphasizing the need to retire all the Supers by 2025 at the latest. They REALLY should not keep them until 2027. If they do, they will end up spending millions keeping them maintained and repairing them way too often. The Supers require a disproportionate amount of maintenance compared to other vessels in the fleet, so WSF really needs to retire them ASAP to rid themselves of this maintenance headache. Unfortunately compdude787 I have no doubt that WSF would replace them tomorrow if the legislature appropriated funding to do so. WSF may have no choice as to whether they keep the vessels or not as WSF competes for state funds like all other state agencies do when the legislature is in session. Ultimately our politicians decide where our tax dollars go, and some of them don't much care if the ferries are replaced or not.
For example, a legislator from Eastern Washington that may have constituents that have never had the need to ride a ferry in their life may vote to spend money on something more beneficial to his or her area (such as a college or bridge or ). Although some funds are dedicated towards the ferries, it almost always takes some General Fund dollars to fund new ferry construction. Tim Eyeman's Initiative 747 crippled some of the dedicated monies that were allocated to WSF around 2001. So, long story short, WSF can submit budget requests for new vessels, but by law they can't "lobby" as a state agency. They can only hope that enough legislators understand the need and vote in their favor -and- that there is money even available in the first place. Since Wa. state did have about a 1.28 billion surplus this biennium, now is a good time to be asking.
It was Tim Eyeman's Initiative 695. ballotpedia.org/Washington_Voter_Approval_for_Tax_Increases,_Initiative_695_(1999)
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