Nick
Voyager 
Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
Posts: 2,080 
|
Post by Nick on Jul 16, 2017 14:31:56 GMT -8
I took my first ride on the Salish Eagle on it's 1445 round trip from Tsawwassen last Friday.
Overall I was impressed with the passenger deck layout and effective use of space. The car deck was full-ish for the return trip and I intended to get a passenger count from the steward but I forgot. That said, the lounge spaces did not seem very busy and the "people noise" was not as bad as I had expected. It was a nice sunny day and there were a lot of people outside. I did notice that the ceiling height seemed rather low. I'm pretty average height, and there wasn't a lot of room between my head and the hanging directional signs.
I was very impressed with the outside decks - I think these boats are among the best of the fleet for outside viewing opportunities. The heavy "weathertight" doors were mostly held open, but I did observe the opening operation a few times. The beeping seems to have been disabled on several of the doors. I'm not sure why they're necessary, but I suspect that if the vessel was built with them, they are required for class certification and will not be able to be removed without replacing them with something of equivalent watertight integrity.
The strait was flat calm, and there was still a decent amount of ship movement from passing vessel wakes etc. I can't say the type of motion was "bad", and it was generally slow with small accelerations, but I can imagine there will be many winter crossings where people will have to remain seated. There was also a fairly significant vibration while the vessel was turning. I imagine this is mostly resonance from the twin podded propellers, and there isn't much that can be done about that. On a straight course the ship was very smooth.
I noticed while we were accelerating and decelerating that the load control system would start and stop generators automatically based on propulsion load. That's common on cruise ships, but I believe that's a first for BC Ferries to have that level of automation.
The ship was running on diesel fuel. Apparently they are still fine-tuning the engine programming for gas operation. They are running on gas intermittently as they fine-tune the engines. The boiler is also dual fuel capable and was running on gas.
|
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,310
|
Post by Neil on Jul 18, 2017 19:44:58 GMT -8
One thing that I reflected on during my fan trip on the Salish Eagle today (Tsawwassen-Sturdies Bay-Long Harbour-Sturdies Bay-Tsawwassen) was what I sometimes think is our slightly overblown safety culture, and how so many things are now really expensive because we have to guard against every conceivable mishap, even if it's never happened. I'd hate to think how much doors on ferries cost these days. They all look like they weigh about two hundred pounds and could do service on safes, and they are mechanized and equipped with sound. Those exterior doors on the 'Eagle even have boxes on them- I guess to house the machinery. Good grief.
I get the complaints about the stairways. I'm sure they're all within safety standards... just. Those treads couldn't be any narrower. I don't have a big car anymore, but I like that the vehicle lanes on the Salish vessels are fairly generous- probably similar to the 'Capilano/'Cumberland. When you stand in the middle of the car deck, you realize these vessels are not that long, despite being freakishly tall. As Nick mentioned, there was motion even on a calm strait. Wasn't overly impressed with the lounge, since one side is mostly closed in. Nice outdoor space on the two decks, although I noticed while standing at the very front of the picklefork an engine whine that at times was almost headache inducing.
The steward didn't know how many seats the 'Eagle had in total, so I'm going to count them all on the vessel layout page. I seem to recall the figure being around 350, which could be a problem on a packed, rainy sailing. I'm wondering if they eventually find the cabin space is inadequate, perhaps it could be extended to take in the picklefork area on both ends.
I don't think we'll have a real verdict on these vessels until they encounter stormy weather on a regular basis, and until one Salish class vessel is serving route nine on a busy winter weekend, with significantly less vehicle and passenger capacity than the 'Nanaimo.
Oh... and the chocolate cake was not fresh. Still, it was fun checking out a brand new vessel, even if I'm not quite sure what I think of it, and a sunny day on route nine is never a waste of time.
|
|
|
|
Post by WettCoast on Jul 18, 2017 21:55:50 GMT -8
..... Oh... and the chocolate cake was not fresh. Still, it was fun checking out a brand new vessel, even if I'm not quite sure what I think of it, and a sunny day on route nine is never a waste of time. Thanks for this report, Neil. I have a tentative plan to do a round trip with my brother (Mr. DOT) next Thursday, the 27th. We will take the Nanaimo from Tsawwassen to Long Harbour. After a three hour layover on SSI, we will return to the mainland aboard the shiny new girl. I will then have had a last chance to say au revoir to the 'old lady' & 'welcome' to the new girl. I will let you know my thoughts about her once I have taken a ride. Question: there is no such thing as passenger only reservations on this route, right? |
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,310
|
Post by Neil on Jul 18, 2017 22:32:31 GMT -8
..... Oh... and the chocolate cake was not fresh. Still, it was fun checking out a brand new vessel, even if I'm not quite sure what I think of it, and a sunny day on route nine is never a waste of time. Thanks for this report, Neil. I have a tentative plan to do a round trip with my brother (Mr. DOT) next Thursday, the 27th. We will take the Nanaimo from Tsawwassen to Long Harbour. After a three hour layover on SSI, we will return to the mainland aboard the shiny new girl. I will then have had a last chance to say au revoir to the 'old lady' & 'welcome' to the new girl. I will let you know my thoughts about her once I have taken a ride. Question: there is no such thing as passenger only reservations on this route, right? Yes there is, but it looks like they can only be made by calling 1-888-BCFERRY. www.bcferries.com/res/visgi_faq.html#fpx |
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,310
|
Post by Neil on Jul 24, 2017 12:15:53 GMT -8
Counted all the seats and stools in the vessel brochure diagram, and I get 466, for a pax max of 585. Don't know how that ratio compares to other vessels. I'm assuming the 585 + 15 crew is the A license... maybe someone could check the license sheet and see if there's a B figure.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kahn_C on Jul 24, 2017 16:55:02 GMT -8
Counted all the seats and stools in the vessel brochure diagram, and I get 466, for a pax max of 585. Don't know how that ratio compares to other vessels. I'm assuming the 585 + 15 crew is the A license... maybe someone could check the license sheet and see if there's a B figure. According to the Orca's license sheet (I assume they're the same): A - 585 Pass, 15 crew B - 386 Pass, 14 crew C - 0 Pass, 8 crew |
|
|
|
Post by Dane on Jul 24, 2017 19:38:27 GMT -8
Counted all the seats and stools in the vessel brochure diagram, and I get 466, for a pax max of 585. Don't know how that ratio compares to other vessels. I'm assuming the 585 + 15 crew is the A license... maybe someone could check the license sheet and see if there's a B figure. I did that unscientifically when the deck layouts came out. It's the best ratio of any of the intermediate boats by my fairly quickly perhaps not totally accurate check. The majors are no where near close to a seat/person situation. I don't / didn't have a way to count the B's but I'd imagine they were perhaps among the best? But that's strictly anecdotal. |
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,310
|
Post by Neil on Jul 24, 2017 21:12:57 GMT -8
Counted all the seats and stools in the vessel brochure diagram, and I get 466, for a pax max of 585. Don't know how that ratio compares to other vessels. I'm assuming the 585 + 15 crew is the A license... maybe someone could check the license sheet and see if there's a B figure. I did that unscientifically when the deck layouts came out. It's the best ratio of any of the intermediate boats by my fairly quickly perhaps not totally accurate check. The majors are no where near close to a seat/person situation. I don't / didn't have a way to count the B's but I'd imagine they were perhaps among the best? But that's strictly anecdotal. ..."by my fairly quickly perhaps not totally accurate check"... jeez, Dane, what's your last name? Trumpolson? I was surprised that the seat count was that high. I think BC Ferries at one point said that Gulf Islands service was going to be split between the two vessels, with less emphasis on a four islands 'milk run'. But that's not quite the case wit the summer schedule. this year. And I'm still pretty apprehensive about both the one vessel service and the small pax (and vehicle) capacity in the winter. 585 maximum? That's a serious step back from the ' Nanaimo. Gulf Islanders might get nostalgic rather quickly, and BC Ferries might have to press the second Salish vessel into service on occasion. This summer sees the highest sailing and capacity levels in the history of BC Ferries' service from Tsawwassen to the Gulf Islands. A much truer test of their plans might happen on, say, Remembrance Day, with one really tall but not so capacious Salish boat in service. |
|
|
|
Post by Curtis on Jul 27, 2017 21:21:22 GMT -8
While our friends to the south were celebrating the 4th, I took my first trip aboard the Salish Eagle. At a first glance it was more or less the same as the Salish Orca though I did notice a few minor differences between the two sisters and no I don't just mean the artwork on the side of the ships  I'll explain as we go along... Warning: VERY Photo Heavy!
All Photos are © CS16 Photography and may only be used with Permission from the Owner.We start with a profile shot at Tsawwassen. 
Salish Eagle Docked at Berth 1, Tsawwassen. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr Coming aboard for the first time. 
Boarding the Salish Eagle at Berth 1, Tsawwassen. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr Now to some interior shots. I'm a little disappointed they put the same Orcas on the windowpanes of the kids area. Would've been a nice touch to have Eagles. 
Deck 4, #2 End Lounge, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr 
Deck 4, Coastal Cafe Seating Starboard Side, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr Hmm, for a vessel called Salish Eagle, there sure are a lot of Orcas to see... In fact, that picture is in the exact same spot on the Salish Orca. I know these are standardized vessels, but why not give them a little more variety? 
Deck 4, Coastal Cafe, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr One of the first differences I found was the Welcome Aboard sign. While the Orca's sign is painted on in black, the Eagle got the more decorative silver letters. I'm guessing the Orca might get these during her first refit cause I think the black paint is just a guide for where to place each letter. 
Welcome Aboard Sign, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr Now down to the vehicle decks and another difference between the Orca and Eagle. On the Orca the "Thank you for sailing with us" sign is placed so you see it as you walk down the stairs from Deck 4 to 3. On the Eagle, it's placed at the bottom of the stairs on deck 2. Interesting choice, maybe it was done so you're not distracted walking down those steep steps. 
#2 End Starboard Stairwell, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr 
Deck 3, Main Car Deck #2 End, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr The Garage Deck was empty for the voyage to Long Harbour, it did get used during the trip to Otter Bay though. 
Deck 2, Lower Car Deck, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr 
Deck 2, Lower Car Deck, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr 
Deck 2, Lower Car Deck #1 End, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr Now back up to the sun decks. 
Deck 5, Sun Deck, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr 
Wake, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr Exiting Active Pass. 
Pickle Fork Deck #2 End, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr Now for some interior pictures while in dock at Long Harbour. 
Deck 4, #2 End Lounge, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr 
Deck 4, #2 End Lounge, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr 
Deck 4, Pickle Fork Deck #2 End, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr A nice view of Long Harbour and some garage deck hatch action. 
Salish Eagle Docked at Long Harbour Terminal. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr The Chief Steward's Office, and a little more decorative lettering. 
Deck 4, Chief Steward's Office, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr 
Deck 4, Passages Gift Shop & Coastal Cafe, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr 
Deck 3, Main Car Deck, Salish Eagle. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr Coming into Otter Bay. 
Salish Eagle Approaching Otter Bay. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr Finally I shot through the Trees as she departed Otter Bay. 
Salish Eagle Departing Otter Bay. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr That's all for now. Overall, the Salish Eagle was pretty much what I expected coming off the excitement of the Salish Orca. It certainly was fun though finding all the little differences between the two. |
|
|
|
Post by WettCoast on Jul 28, 2017 22:38:31 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Aug 5, 2017 22:48:29 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by Ferryman on Aug 8, 2017 21:46:01 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by Balfour on Aug 22, 2017 19:18:17 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by Dane on Aug 22, 2017 19:41:07 GMT -8
Were there burgers?
|
|
|
|
Post by Balfour on Aug 22, 2017 21:36:11 GMT -8
Sadly no...
|
|
John H
Voyager
Admin Emeritus
Posts: 2,919
|
Post by John H on Aug 28, 2017 21:19:17 GMT -8
Hmm, for a vessel called Salish Eagle, there sure are a lot of Orcas to see... In fact, that picture is in the exact same spot on the Salish Orca. I know these are standardized vessels, but why not give them a little more variety?
Another thing about that photo (I had dinner beside it this evening), it's credited to "Destiation British Columbia" which is an error you think they might have caught before they put it up. I agree with you though, more variety would be nice. Why not feature some local photography, of eagles for instance, instead of some of the standard corporate fare. Today was my second trip on the Salish Eagle and there were some "improvements" from the maiden voyage, most of which have been mentioned here already: the lowering of the sounds for almost everything, the doors seem to be working better, etc. One elevator was out in the morning, but was fixed in the afternoon. An elevator truck boarded at Tsawwassen so maybe he was there to fix it. Much to the disappointment of some of the kids (and some other customers), they had the "summer menu" - chili dogs, chili, soup, pulled pork sandwich, Caesar salad with chicken, seafood pot pie, and that might be it. The ferry was busy but not close to full. The morning trip from Tsawwassen said 70% for vehicle capacity before we left the house. It was a bit crowded in the lounge and outdoor areas but not uncomfortable. |
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 3, 2017 6:32:42 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by ferryfanyvr on Sept 3, 2017 8:29:03 GMT -8
Some observations and questions after following the operations of the Eagle at Tsawwassen this summer, after both a few personal trips and looking at SiiTech at other times.... Is there some kind of issue with berth 2, other than the overhead walkway not going up high enough except at low tide, that makes it less suitable for the Salish Eagle to use? The only time I've seen the Eagle use berth 2 is when berth 1 is unavailable due to the Raven being tied up there. At these times, the overhead will be used at berth 2 if the tide is low. As well, last Sunday the Eagle used berth 3 with the overhead for the 915 sailing as there was no route 30 ship in port at this time. Today, same day of the week, same time, with a low tide, the Eagle used berth 1 instead of berths 2 or 3 with the overhead. With no enclosed and heated waiting room at ground level at berth 1, the cold, rainy, windy weather of the upcoming winter will make it quite unpleasant for foot passengers waiting for their sailing. Using the berth 2 waiting room means that passengers must either use exterior stairs to reach ground level, or walk back to berth 3 or the foot passenger ticketing building to use an elevator, which isn't acceptable for those with reduced mobility.
As far as the Raven is concerned, a deckhand on that vessel told me it doesn't fit into berth 2 at all which adds to my confusion since I thought all 3 Salish ships were built to the same specifications.
|
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 5, 2017 9:36:28 GMT -8
From the BCFMWU President's weekly blog:
|
|
|
|
Post by Curtis on Sept 14, 2017 19:17:43 GMT -8
Better late than never right? Here's my long overdue Walkthrough of the Salish Eagle.
And here's her Whistle too!
Tomorrow, my Final Walkthrough of the Queen of Nanaimo goes up!
|
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 14, 2017 19:55:21 GMT -8
Today was my first time on the Iggle, and as a driver on the "Otter Bay to Long Harbour" final leg of the milk-run, I was on the main car deck. This gave me a nice view of the visor open & closed. - September 14, 2017  . by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr  . by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr  . by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr |
|
|
|
Post by Ferryman on Sept 14, 2017 20:24:45 GMT -8
Today was my first time on the Iggle, and as a driver on the "Otter Bay to Long Harbour" final leg of the milk-run, I was on the main car deck. This gave me a nice view of the visor open & closed. - September 14, 2017 I wish I had known! I was also on for that sailing. I was standing directly above you for the arrival, four decks above.  |
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 14, 2017 20:53:02 GMT -8
Today was my first time on the Iggle, and as a driver on the "Otter Bay to Long Harbour" final leg of the milk-run, I was on the main car deck. This gave me a nice view of the visor open & closed. - September 14, 2017 I wish I had known! I was also on for that sailing. I was standing directly above you for the arrival, four decks above. Sorry I missed you, on same ship. After that 12:25-13:10 sailing to Long Harbour, we drove around the north end of SSI, and then took the Hound Dawg home from Vesuvius. |
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 15, 2017 7:39:39 GMT -8
Here's a video showing two things on the Iggle:
1) Inter-Island traffic (me) doing the short-spin on the main car deck
2) Visor opening and arrival at Long Harbour (where the vessel is doing the spinning)
|
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 15, 2017 20:36:15 GMT -8
Salish Eagle is the subject of this photo essay, of images seen at Roesland Point on North Pender Island. This point is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, and has great views of Otter Bay terminal. This is the noonish arrival/departure on September 12, 2017:  DSC07378 by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr  DSCF2653 by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr  . by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr  DSCF2661 by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr  DSC07393 by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr -----------------  DSC07397 by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr  DSC07399 by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr  DSC07405 by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr --------------------  . by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr With Seaspan Swift  DSC07420 by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr  DSC07425 by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr ---------------------  DSC07427 by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr Departure Spin  DSCF2681 by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr  DSC07432 by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr ------------ |
|
I'll explain as we go along...
