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Post by WettCoast on Nov 20, 2008 20:20:40 GMT -8
I have been keeping an eye and an ear of sorts into what has been happening with BC Ferries for many years. It is much easier today to keep a really close eye on things thanks to this here medium - the Internet.
Nevertheless, with radio, TV, newspapers, magazines and word of mouth only for sources I do not recall any talk of issues when the SoBC first went into service. I do expect 'issues' to crop up with anything new, ferries such as the Spirits being no exception. If there had been really serious issues with either of the Spirits in their early days I would recall that, and I would have newspaper clippings from writers such as Mark Wilson, from that time. If anyone can produce 'clippings' please do so. Perhaps Neil has something in his collection.
I do know that the SoBC started life based at Swartz Bay. Prior to the SoVI entering service, the SoBC was withdrawn from service to allow Tsawwassen based crews to be trained on her. Presumably this required a period of about 6 to 8 weeks. Once the SoVI came into service she became the SWB based boat and the SoBC became the TSW based boat. That is the way it has been ever since.
I do remember a serious vibration issue with the QofNWM after she was lifted and re-engined. That required a fairly serious intervention to correct.
Fresh in my mind are the issues that the Norad had and continues to have and I wonder if they ever will be satisfactorily corrected. Somehow, I doubt it.
I do expect 'issues' with the Coast Boats will be resolved and they will have long and largely trouble free careers in our fleet. On the other hand I think that claims regarding their fuel efficiency made by BCFS executives and people such as Kevin Cadillac Falcon may never be realized.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2008 22:58:15 GMT -8
I don't recall any problems with the Spirit boats, after they came in service---if there was problems, it would have been minor. The government should have build a third Spirit boat, and there was plenty of talk about it at that time.
As for the Queen of New Westminster, I was talking to a fellow who actually was working on lifting and re-engining her. He told me that the new engines were bigger than the original ones and they had to cut out metal to make room for them on the engine seat. The metal rubbing against the metal caused the ship to vibrate. BC Ferries sued the company that had done the refit.
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Post by Nickfro on Dec 2, 2008 11:28:00 GMT -8
Today's Spirit of BC 11am sailing from Tsawwassen and the 1pm sailing from Swartz Bay have been cancelled.
I noticed that she is just arriving at Tsawwassen right now at 1125am. Not sure what the reason is. If it is in fact something mechanical (and related to her current woes) I think they should pull her from service, move the Spirit of VI to be based out of Tsawwassen, and use the Coastal Celebration as the #1 out of Swartz Bay and bring the Vancouver over as the #2 out of Swartz. They could then run the SoBC as the #2 out of Tsawwassen during the holidays when all 4 ferries are scheduled on Route 1. I know the required equipment for repairing the SoBC won't arrive until the new year, but I don't see the point running her when there's an obvious injury, if that's the case.
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Post by gordon on Dec 2, 2008 11:34:52 GMT -8
Could they not bring the CR from DB & use her as the #2 out of
Swartz Bay seeing there may be plans to hae her based there by next summer any how?
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Post by Nickfro on Dec 2, 2008 13:45:14 GMT -8
Could they not bring the CR from DB & use her as the #2 out of Swartz Bay seeing there may be plans to hae her based there by next summer any how? I don't see that happening any time soon. I also see there is more info about that in the 'Coastal Class' - Vessel Placement thread. I don't see my positiong idea happening for the sole reason that BCFS hasn't done such a thing in a long time. A ferry is stationed out of one particular terminal, unless it is a 'mule' and moves around replacing another ferry that goes into refit, like the Coquitlam and the retired Esquimalt.  Therefore, as much as I'd like to see it, I don't expect the SoVI to ever replace the SoBC out of Tsawwassen. The only ferry that I see replacing the Spirit of BC is the New West or, if the New West isn't back from MLU#2 yet, the Vancouver. Doesn't make much sense from a capacity standpoint, but knowing how they position their vessels, that'll most likely be the case. |
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Post by WettCoast on Dec 2, 2008 20:17:01 GMT -8
If it is in fact something mechanical (and related to her current woes) I think they should pull her from service, move the Spirit of VI to be based out of Tsawwassen, and use the Coastal Celebration as the #1 out of Swartz Bay and bring the Vancouver over as the #2 out of Swartz. They could then run the SoBC as the #2 out of Tsawwassen during the holidays when all 4 ferries are scheduled on Route 1. I know the required equipment for repairing the SoBC won't arrive until the new year, but I don't see the point running her when there's an obvious injury, if that's the case. Your proposal seems reasonable and practical. Don't expect them to actually do something as sensible. |
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Post by Hardy on Dec 6, 2008 3:29:38 GMT -8
I could have sworn that I was advocating such a scenario quite a while ago. However, as was stated, it would make too much sense, and it won't happen from the standpoint that it would upset the applecart that is the status-quo.
Remember always that BCFS is not in the business of providing customer service, they are there to make a profit, whatever the cost.
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Post by Canucks on Mar 3, 2009 21:44:52 GMT -8
Here is a little shaky video I shot last month. I should really remember to bring a tripod.   |
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Post by Dane on Mar 7, 2009 23:51:17 GMT -8
SoBC returned to Tsawwassen today, after what at least externally speaking was a less than comprehensive refit. Hopefully May sees her get some paint. First the Vancouver and Alberni departed.   She arrived in fair wind conditions, probably sustained around 20 knots or so. It was also very cold. She came in headed roughly Northeast.   This was to take advantage of the turning dolphin to guide the vessel in.   A wee bit too far....  And then in as usual.....  |
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Post by lmtengs on Jul 11, 2009 21:11:59 GMT -8
Great Collections of Building History about the Queens of Lego, Jim.  An artist's rendering of the 'Queen of Lego' - DOT collectionPerhaps the paint scheme shown here looks better that what was actually chosen? If they had chosen that paint for the Spirits, They would have been the best looking Ferries in the fleet. I guess that glass barrier on outside deck seven was never completed, then. |
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Post by lmtengs on Nov 19, 2009 18:59:49 GMT -8
Ooh! The Sir Wilfrid Laurier! My Grandfather worked on her for 15 years, until last march, when he retired. He was aboard when the Laurier assisted the QotNorth. It's cool to see a BCF and the Laurier together like that. |
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Post by WettCoast on Dec 2, 2009 18:10:41 GMT -8
Spirit of British Columbia - coming around Helen Point at the south entrance to Active Pass - 24 Nov 2009  JST photo ©Taken from the Mayne Island shoreline opposite the Bluffs on Galiano.
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Dec 13, 2009 23:14:02 GMT -8
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Jan 4, 2010 0:30:58 GMT -8
SOBC en route to Swartz Bay. 
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Post by lmtengs on Jan 29, 2010 17:43:39 GMT -8
Spirit of British Columbia - coming around Helen Point at the south entrance to Active Pass - 24 Nov 2009 JST photo ©Taken from the Mayne Island shoreline opposite the Bluffs on Galiano. Do the Spooks usually shift over to one side like that on the corners, or was it just weighted more on that side on that sailing? |
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Post by Ferryman on Jan 29, 2010 20:16:01 GMT -8
Do the Spooks usually shift over to one side like that on the corners, or was it just weighted more on that side on that sailing? Hahahahahahaha. Yes, it is common for the Spooks to lean over to one side as it is turning. The same goes for any sort of ship or boat making a turn at speed. I won't go into the physics of it all, but the ship will lean over to one side, opposite to the direction it is turning. For example, if a ship turns to Starboard, it will lean towards the port side. If the ship turns to Port, it will lean towards the Starboard side. Same sort of motions apply when you're riding in a car going down a highway. Think of it when you go around the corners. Except the car won't rock from side to side after completing the turn. Re: Karls SOBC photos. It's great to see the SOBC looking nice and clean again. She's been pretty filthy looking for the past couple of years especially when compared to the SOVI. |
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Post by lmtengs on Jan 29, 2010 22:40:25 GMT -8
Do the Spooks usually shift over to one side like that on the corners, or was it just weighted more on that side on that sailing? Hahahahahahaha. Yes, it is common for the Spooks to lean over to one side as it is turning. The same goes for any sort of ship or boat making a turn at speed. I won't go into the physics of it all, but the ship will lean over to one side, opposite to the direction it is turning. For example, if a ship turns to Starboard, it will lean towards the port side. If the ship turns to Port, it will lean towards the Starboard side. Same sort of motions apply when you're riding in a car going down a highway. Think of it when you go around the corners. Except the car won't rock from side to side after completing the turn. Re: Karls SOBC photos. It's great to see the SOBC looking nice and clean again. She's been pretty filthy looking for the past couple of years especially when compared to the SOVI. Thanks for the info  . I just thought that boats were different. Whenever you see those tiny little high-speed tubs they lean starboard as they turn starboard. Might someone know why they're different? A slightly related question: Whenever the loaded fuel truck loads onto the Queen of Burnaby in Little River, the ship shifts over to the side in the same way. I know that's just because of the weight of the truck offsetting the ship's balance. Then they always pause the loading, and after about 2 minutes, the ship straightens (Then they start loading again). Does the 'Burnaby have ballast tanks on either side (stb, prt) of the ship that can be loaded with water independently to offset the weight of these huge trucks? And if the 'Burnaby does, then do any other ships in the slug-fleet have them? |
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Dispensing gallons of useless information daily...
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Jan 31, 2010 4:53:46 GMT -8
...Except the car won't rock from side to side after completing the turn... ...depending on the condition of your shocks & springs...  ;D |
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Post by dofd on Apr 16, 2010 22:37:46 GMT -8
Do not know which ferry it is. Filmed on my phone. Pick the BC thread because it was at the bottom. Sorry: was on the QofNW.. View My Video |
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Apr 17, 2010 8:40:18 GMT -8
Do not know which ferry it is. Filmed on my phone. Pick the BC thread because it was at the bottom. Sorry: was on the QofNW.. View My VideoThat's the SOVI. |
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Post by novabus9228 on May 6, 2010 15:30:41 GMT -8
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Post by Low Light Mike on May 10, 2010 15:21:42 GMT -8
May 9, 2009 shots from Tsawwassen's berth-5: Gap-toothed Spook:   Sailing past the Berth-4 construction:  Bulbous bow:  |
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on May 20, 2010 21:10:09 GMT -8
SOBC conquering the swells while en route to Tsawwassen...  |
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Jun 20, 2010 1:53:03 GMT -8
Greetings! Since the Forum Flagship has changed to the SPIRIT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA in her Victoria Games paint scheme, I though it would be good to show you my photos of her Open Ship that was held in Victoria on Sunday, March 7, 1993. She was painted in that scheme that day. I was listening to a Victoria radio station daily for awhile to the day when she would go into service as well as any news of restoration of car service on the Seattle to Victoria run after Stena's departure. I learned on CFAX 1070 that an Open Ship was going to be held and I got a quick reservation with Kenmore Air for a round trip flight to Victoria. This would be my very first float plane ride and was excited. I'll skip the Seattle part, unless if anyone wants me to show you a few pics of the flight up north, and show you the arrival and the Open Ship photos aboard the star of this thread.  And, there she is! The SPIRIT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA as we turn final for the landing in Victoria Harbour.  Another photo of the SPIRIT as we make our landing. It would be a few moments until I go through Canadian Customs and then a taxi ride out to Ogden Point, where the Open Ship was held. The flaps are down for the landing.  Here we are, aboard the SPIRIT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA. There was a ramp at each end. The forward was the entrance and the aft was the exit. There were lots of people aboard today as well as a lot of signs.  We are on the Main Deck and near the Green Zone. The tween deck is stowed on this side. See that crew member in white, he's leading us to the hull. So, let's head below and see what's there!  We are in the ship's hull. This is the pump room.  This plate brings me back home to Seattle. We had a lot of MAN buses there. They were great buses! The SPIRIT is powered by MAN machinery.  Machinery and a drive shaft.  The hull and a drive shaft.  Machinery and the exit sign. Our tour of the hull is done.  We are now near the Blue Zone. This is the upper car deck.  This is the Main Deck again. The tween deck is deployed on this side for showing.  The ships directory. I think you'll find where I was in this picture!  The cake. Interesting representation. I just wonder who ate this one?!  The model of this ship. Forward end.  The model of this ship. Aft end.  The forward lounge.  The bow.  We are now in the bridge of the SPIRIT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA. This is a control station.  That's my feet and the glass window looking down. The NORTHERN EXPEDITION has this.  Looking aft from the bridge wing. There was a long line for the folks, including me, to see the bridge.  Looking down through the glass again.  There were lots of people in the bridge. They allowed a certain number of people at a time to enter.  Why such a small wheel for a big ship?  Looking down to the bow.  Does this remind you of "Star Trek"?  Looking down again. There was no way for this ninety foot wide ship to fit that dock. That was used by the VANCOUVER ISLAND PRINCESS when she was on the Victoria to Seattle run. While the VIP used Ogden Point, The PRINCESS MARGUERITE used the dock in the Inner Harbour all her career. Ogden Point would be modified a bit to handle the use of the QUEEN OF BURNABY in the restoration attempt of the run down to Seattle after Stena pulled out of this business. This is all gone as the BURNABY is up in Powell River now.  Bridge wing.  Bridge wing and Victoria.  We now exit the bridge as a couple of deck officers approach.  Looking at the bridge wing.  The stack of the SPIRIT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.  The open promenade.  Our tour of the ship is done. This is a spectacular view of the then newest member of the BCF fleet.  I now leave the former BC Stena dock as well as the ship I was there to see. It's been a great day. Now, it's time to take a nice walk to the float plane dock and my return flight to Seattle.  We are off! A great photo of the SPIRIT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA. The Open Ship is ending.  So long, SPIRIT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA and Victoria!  Back in Seattle. Yes, you can still see the Kingdome! It was a most memorable day for me to see this ship on her Open Ship day in Victoria. Many thanks to Kenmore Air for getting me there. END |
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Post by bcferryfan87 on Jun 20, 2010 6:25:07 GMT -8
Thanks to all for the nice pics of the spirit. The pics at Ogden of the open house are really nice. It's nice getting the perspective and trip down memory lane to see how the dock looked in the Stena/BC Steamship colours. Funny how I was just reflecting on the times I used to go out to Ogden with my dad when visiting Vic, back in the late 80's, and then to come across these was great. Thank you!
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Therefore, as much as I'd like to see it, I don't expect the SoVI to ever replace the SoBC out of Tsawwassen. The only ferry that I see replacing the Spirit of BC is the New West or, if the New West isn't back from MLU#2 yet, the Vancouver. Doesn't make much sense from a capacity standpoint, but knowing how they position their vessels, that'll most likely be the case.
. I just thought that boats were different. Whenever you see those tiny little high-speed tubs they lean starboard as they turn starboard. Might someone know why they're different?
;D
