New WSF ferries

[Scott]

Looks like they are getting 4 new 130-car vessels around the same time we get the super C's. Looks like they will be almost identical to some of the ones they already have. I couldn't believe that their Steel Electric Class ships are over 75 years old!

[hergfest]

That is old news. First off, the director of WSF has said that they are now considering 144 car vessels instead of 130 car vessels. Second, there was a lawsuit in regards to the bidding process so the bidding is going to be reopened. Three to four shipyards will rebid, and the boats will be built in Washington. And lastly, in the new gas tax package that was passed last winter the state included money to replace the Hyak, adding a fifth boat to the order. But this gas tax is in jeopardy due to a citizen's initiative to repeal the tax (stupid initiative IMHO, but let's leave politics out of it).

[Koastal Karl]

What routes will these new ships be on?? I know a few will replace the Steel Electric Class.

[SS San Mateo]

karl said:

What routes will these new ships be on?? I know a few will replace the Steel Electric Class.

From what I've read, one will end up on the Pt. Townsend-Keystone run, one on Mukilteo, and one on Seattle-Bremerton. One would be in the reserve fleet. I don't know if that's changed though. The assignment list mentioned that the Hyak (which will be retired) would be a reserve ferry if it didn't get renovated.

Here's a more recent article:

seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/aplocal_story.asp?category=6420&slug=WA%20Ferry%20Flap

-- LB

[hergfest]

At the bottom of this article, you can see the planned vessel assignments. They will also retire the Rhody and put on of the Evergreens on the south Vashon run. This list was also put together before the decision to build 144 car boats and to replace the Hyak.
www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/EE836C13-AD50-4B9A-ACC3-25641DC0F83B/0/Appendix2_WSF_Vessel_Planning.pdf

[Scott]

I knew it was old news, but I hadn't seen anyone discussing it recently on this forum.

[Low Light Mike]

Hergfest's reply to John's original post seemed a bit abrupt....but maybe that's just how things read when you don't see the person face-to-face.

But to me, to open with "That is old news" is abrupt and shuts down a conversation.

So, Hergie, please enlighten us with your intention......

Not a big deal, but I like to understand the thoughts behind the words.

Thanks.

[hergfest]

When did this become the love one and all forum? You guys are bashing on Mac Write for being too forward, now just because I mis-worded a phrase I am being told off. I didn't mean bad by it, I only meant what I said that John's statement was old news. You need to stop reading into stuff dude. I had just gotten off work (at midnight) and I don't think straight after I get off work.

[Low Light Mike]

Cool.

Now I'll run your words thru a mixer and see what other messages might show up ;D

It's all good. I was just wondering, because it really is hard to discerne the mood behind a post sometimes, even with help from emoticons ;D

.....but I don't know why I'm acting like a kindergarten teacher lately....maybe I've working out some childhood fantasy regarding my kindergarten teacher, who knows.

[SS San Mateo]

One article I read mentioned that the shipyard that protested the awarding of the contract to Todd Shipyards was proposing the use of "Z-drive" system in the new ferries.

Another article mentioned that one of the boats would be used on the proposed Southworth-Downtown Seattle route.

-- LB

[cascade]

A small change in Subject matter - how is the WiFi connection working on the routes you have just talked about ?

[hergfest]

The Z-Drives have been mentioned only for use on the Keystone route. This is for maneuverability getting into Keystone Harbor. But WSF wants to have the fleet standardized, so this isn't likely to happen.