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Post by Cascadian Transport on Mar 14, 2018 16:01:10 GMT -8
Is there an announcement on every WSF sailing about safety? It's been three or four years since I've travelled on our southern neighbor's ships, and I don't recall if there was a parallel to the BC Ferries recordings. The BC Ferries announcements have gotten longer, and in my opinion, are really annoying. Even on the cable barge to Denman Island, you are warned of the dangers of doorsills, wet decks, wind, stairs, and luggage improperly stored under seats. I guess BC Ferries consulted their lawyers about every conceivable danger, and tailored the messages accordingly. I don't even like the voice used, but that's probably overly curmudgeonly of me. So... are WSF passengers warned of all the awful things that can happen to you on a twenty minute sailing, every time you ride the boats? WSF does have announcements that are played on every sailing (with the exception of Point Defiance-Tahlequah: they don't always play the announcements on that route). However, they seem to be a lot shorter and more to-the point than the announcements on the BCFerries. They don't go on and on warning passengers of the dangers of doorsills, wet decks, or all that other good stuff, it's just instructions of what to do in an emergency, as well as a quick reminder of things you're not allowed to do on board (Such as smoking.) The whole thing probably takes about 2-3 minutes...
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Post by rwbsparks on Mar 19, 2018 12:44:08 GMT -8
When will the new final long range plan be released? I know that the legislature is waiting for its release before dedicating funding for a new Olympic class boat. What major changes do we expect to see from the plan from last decade of any?
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Post by PNW_ferrynerd on Mar 19, 2018 12:54:14 GMT -8
When will the new final long range plan be released? I know that the legislature is waiting for its release before dedicating funding for a new Olympic class boat. What major changes do we expect to see from the plan from last decade of any? i believe it is in 2019
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Post by crashlament on Mar 20, 2018 20:27:09 GMT -8
Is there an announcement on every WSF sailing about safety? It's been three or four years since I've travelled on our southern neighbor's ships, and I don't recall if there was a parallel to the BC Ferries recordings. The BC Ferries announcements have gotten longer, and in my opinion, are really annoying. Even on the cable barge to Denman Island, you are warned of the dangers of doorsills, wet decks, wind, stairs, and luggage improperly stored under seats. I guess BC Ferries consulted their lawyers about every conceivable danger, and tailored the messages accordingly. I don't even like the voice used, but that's probably overly curmudgeonly of me. So... are WSF passengers warned of all the awful things that can happen to you on a twenty minute sailing, every time you ride the boats? WSF does have announcements that are played on every sailing (with the exception of Point Defiance-Tahlequah: they don't always play the announcements on that route). However, they seem to be a lot shorter and more to-the point than the announcements on the BCFerries. They don't go on and on warning passengers of the dangers of doorsills, wet decks, or all that other good stuff, it's just instructions of what to do in an emergency, as well as a quick reminder of things you're not allowed to do on board (Such as smoking.) The whole thing probably takes about 2-3 minutes...
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Post by PNW_ferrynerd on Mar 27, 2018 21:33:42 GMT -8
They haven't changed the Walla Walla's whistle, either. But for some reason the last time I was aboard they had one note out of two shut off, possibly for maintenance. It's mostly noticeable because (1) well, it's a single note instead of two, which is the "trademark" sound of the whistle, and (2) it's a different note on each end. I have heard the Big W's whistles recently. The End #1 (West End) whistle being used at this time is the higher pitched and End #2 (East End) is the lower pitch.
With the bass note turned off, there seems to be more air coming into the higher pitch whistle at End #1 and it sounds more like the VASHON's whistles (she had one at each end of her funnel with identical sounds).
Ah, the sweet sound of the late MV VASHON is back on Puget Sound for a little awhile.
So apparently the End no.1 is it's orginal sound now, I did not know that is this true
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Post by Edmondsguy on May 15, 2018 22:20:40 GMT -8
So does anyone know the real reason WSF got rid of the metal gates on the front of the ferries like Jumbos, Supers, Issaquah classes? They took them of and went to chains, and now days they use nylon nets. I would just think the gates would easier and not need replacing near as often as the nets.
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Post by Barnacle on May 16, 2018 5:47:37 GMT -8
So does anyone know the real reason WSF got rid of the metal gates on the front of the ferries like Jumbos, Supers, Issaquah classes? They took them of and went to chains, and now days they use nylon nets. I would just think the gates would easier and not need replacing near as often as the nets. I'm told the hydraulic systems were problematic in the salt environment, plus they weren't actually capable of stopping a rolling vehicle. The chains weren't very good at it either; the nets are supposed to be better (and lighter than the chains ever thought about). I think we still had chains when I first started, but only for another 20 minutes or so.
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Post by PNW_ferrynerd on May 16, 2018 17:37:23 GMT -8
So does anyone know the real reason WSF got rid of the metal gates on the front of the ferries like Jumbos, Supers, Issaquah classes? They took them of and went to chains, and now days they use nylon nets. I would just think the gates would easier and not need replacing near as often as the nets. What do you mean by "Gates?"
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Post by Kahloke on May 16, 2018 19:08:43 GMT -8
The Supers, Jumbos, and Issaquah's all had hydraulic barrier arms (gates) at the ends of the car deck when originally built. Those were replaced by conventional chains, and later the nylon netting you see now. As I recall, the gates were problematic, and I remember a time in the early 80's when the ones on Kaleetan were left permanently in the raised position before they were finally removed. Check out the photo of Yakima in the late 70's with the gates being raised: ferriesbc.proboards.com/thread/7766/mv-yakima?page=16
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Mayne
Voyager
I come from a long line of sinners like me
Posts: 289
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Post by Mayne on May 17, 2018 16:35:02 GMT -8
So does anyone know the real reason WSF got rid of the metal gates on the front of the ferries like Jumbos, Supers, Issaquah classes? They took them of and went to chains, and now days they use nylon nets. I would just think the gates would easier and not need replacing near as often as the nets. What do you mean by "Gates?" gate ɡāt/Submit noun plural noun: gates 1.A hinged barrier used to close an opening in a wall, fence, or hedge. synonyms: gateway, doorway, entrance, entryway
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Post by Cascadian Transport on Jun 15, 2018 11:54:38 GMT -8
Finally getting around to writing this...
A few weeks ago, I attended WSF's Long-Range Plan Community meeting in Fauntleroy. Overall, it was a terrific use of a Thursday night. The event was very informational, the information given seemed easy for a member of the general public to comprehend, and I was able to speak to some of the officials on a more ferry-enthusiast level as well.
Some takeaways from the meeting:
-WSF Does not know definitively yet what will come of the Olympic Class program after the Suquamish. It is likely that they will build more vessels similar to the Olympics to replace the Supers, however, they might modify the design a little bit. It was acknowledged that the passenger capacity of the Olympics as they are now may not be sufficient for Seattle-Bremerton in the long run, and Flight 2 may very well have an enclosed upper deck of some kind. A stretch may also be possible to increase vehicle capacity. (I asked about the idea of widening them by a lane, however, they seem more in favor of stretching the design, as widening would apparently make the vessels less efficient).
-The Tillikum is going to be retained until Flight 2 of the Olympic program gets underway. It was Not technically retired by Chimacum, as some have seemed to believe.
-I asked about what WSF is considering for Jumbo Replacements. The long and short of it is that, as of this time, they do not yet know what they will do about that. Like-for like replacements seem to be the most likely, however, they are also entertaining the idea of replacing the two ships with three smaller (Olympic-size) vessels. I don't know exactly the specifics of how that scenario would play out, but it certainly is an interesting consideration.
-The concept of LNG aboard WSF vessels is dead. WSF is moving in favor of Electric Vessels, and has abandoned the LNG idea.
-As an aside, I decided to leave my car in Southworth and take the ferry to and from the meeting. I ended up on the Cathlamet both directions, and I must say, that boat is in absolutely abysmal condition. The paint is not uniform, the cabin is filthy, and I was able to reach down and pick up a piece of deck from the picklefork. The good news, however, is that she is slated to be going in for some much-needed TLC in summer 2019. ===== Those were my biggest takeaways from the meeting. Overall, very interesting and informational event that I am glad I attended. It does look like we have some interesting items on the horizon.
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Post by rwbsparks on Aug 10, 2018 16:28:55 GMT -8
Tacoma recieved a cabin refit several years ago. Are there any plans to refit Wenatchee and Puyallup or was there something wrong with Tacoma’s cabin requiring a cabin refit that I thought very early in the vessels career?
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Post by WettCoast on May 29, 2019 19:14:32 GMT -8
Apparently a WSF has struck & injured a humpback whale on the Seattle - Bainbridge run. Do any of our WS members know anything more about this?
From CBC News
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crazycathlamet
Oiler (New Member)
Let's have some fun! By doing so, let's ride some ferries!
Posts: 7
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Post by crazycathlamet on May 30, 2019 5:17:02 GMT -8
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Post by Departure Bay on May 30, 2019 14:46:49 GMT -8
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Post by rwbsparks on Jun 16, 2019 20:13:17 GMT -8
While I don’t ride the Seattle Winslow route often, every time I have recently the route has been a full boat behind schedule. Is there a reason for this? Is there a plan to solve whatever that issue may be? I find it hard to believe it’s due to dock construction because Bremerton doesn’t seem to have as tough a time staying on schedule.
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Post by Olympic Ferries on Aug 30, 2019 14:31:23 GMT -8
Recently, WSF has gotten a bit more on top of updating nameboards across a few boats (just the Issaquah-class boats for now) and three vessels now have the updated face nameplates. (The Spokane has new side boards on the sun deck, but not new boards under the bridge). Just thought to share a couple of the new additions, Sealth and Cathlamet and to add a few that have been around for a little while (Issaquah/Yakima).
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Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 4, 2019 19:04:42 GMT -8
A new book will be available on September 30, 2019, by someone who knows his stuff and how to present it well. LINK HERE
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Post by Steve Rosenow on Feb 9, 2020 23:34:13 GMT -8
On the subject of WSF vessel maintenance... Did TPTB decide to remove the maintenance schedule from WSF's site again? A friend had asked and I couldn't find it.
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Post by SS San Mateo on Feb 10, 2020 18:24:09 GMT -8
On the subject of WSF vessel maintenance... Did TPTB decide to remove the maintenance schedule from WSF's site again? A friend had asked and I couldn't find it. There is a maintenance schedule located in the "Business with WSF" section on the site (it's under upcoming projects), but it's only for shipyard work. They haven't had the more detailed one in several years.
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Post by Barnacle on Feb 12, 2020 18:33:53 GMT -8
On the subject of WSF vessel maintenance... Did TPTB decide to remove the maintenance schedule from WSF's site again? A friend had asked and I couldn't find it. There is a maintenance schedule located in the "Business with WSF" section on the site (it's under upcoming projects), but it's only for shipyard work. They haven't had the more detailed one in several years. The detailed one is now internal-only.
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Post by withtheferries on Mar 16, 2020 21:49:49 GMT -8
Am i the only one that thinks the Olympic class are the slowest? I mean i've caught Wenatchee doing 25, Kitsap doing 20, and even yup this is hard to believe but.. SALISH at 16.4 AND Tilikum at 17.6! Must been the wind or what not but the fastest i've caught a Olympic(Chimacum) doing was a measly 18.8 which was rare indeed! Normally they squat along at 15-16 kts. They are really under powered. They should at least do 18 kts on avg!
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Post by Barnacle on Mar 17, 2020 17:26:04 GMT -8
I really hope WSF decides not to scrap that ELWHA and fix her up and make her run like new! Not going to happen.
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Post by withtheferries on Mar 18, 2020 13:50:56 GMT -8
What has happened with the Chimacum and Chetzemoka?
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Post by Olympic Ferries on Mar 18, 2020 14:01:39 GMT -8
What has happened with the Chimacum and Chetzemoka? Chimacum is getting warranty repair work done at Vigor in Seattle; Chetzemoka is getting a Coast Guard inspection and general maintenance at Eagle Harbor.
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