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Post by Kahloke on Apr 18, 2022 6:33:11 GMT -8
Starting thread for Island Kwigwis
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Apr 18, 2022 20:03:27 GMT -8
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Post by WettCoast on May 4, 2022 6:43:25 GMT -8
Is this the new 'Queen' of Nanaimo? One of the new BC Ferries 'Island Class' vessels serving on the Nanaimo - Gabriola Island route, the Island Kwigwis, seen here at its downtown Nanaimo berth.
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Neil
Voyager 
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Post by Neil on Jul 6, 2022 22:35:12 GMT -8
Took this boat over and back from Gabriola today. I can imagine residents are very happy with her, and her sister, given the improved capacity and scheduling. But, even though, from a ferry fan perspective, there are definitely some things to like, it was a confirmation of my original impression that these vessels are extravagant for the job they're intended to do. Waaay too overbuilt... too much steel, too much structure. Gabriola should have got two new updated Quinitsa's. Barebones, open deck fifty car vessels, four car lanes stretching over eighty metres or so of length. Same thing for Quadra. The Island class design is good for Cortes, Alert Bay/Sointula... routes that need sturdier designs to cope with more open water, but the idea that thirteen or so of these vessels should replace all the smaller vessels seems to me to be an extreme of uniformity.
I liked: the viewing vantage points above the car deck. Good sized lounge, and covered outdoor seating on the sundeck. Really didn't like: the enclosed main car deck. High bulwarks all around.
Another gripe, which bugs me about so much of BC Ferries' operations: the fearful approach to docking. They cut speed so far out from the berth, and spend an inordinate amount of time on a short crossing crawling into the slip. Maybe BC Ferries needs to talk to their colleagues at WSF about the virtues of getting in and out a bit quicker.
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Post by northwesterner on Jul 7, 2022 21:19:06 GMT -8
Another gripe, which bugs me about so much of BC Ferries' operations: the fearful approach to docking. They cut speed so far out from the berth, and spend an inordinate amount of time on a short crossing crawling into the slip. Maybe BC Ferries needs to talk to their colleagues at WSF about the virtues of getting in and out a bit quicker. Cue the thick Canadian accent objecting: "But it's not safe!" |
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Jul 7, 2022 21:22:36 GMT -8
Another gripe, which bugs me about so much of BC Ferries' operations: the fearful approach to docking. They cut speed so far out from the berth, and spend an inordinate amount of time on a short crossing crawling into the slip. Maybe BC Ferries needs to talk to their colleagues at WSF about the virtues of getting in and out a bit quicker. Cue the thick Canadian accent objecting: "But it's not safe!" It better to be than sorry because I don’t think it worth damaging anything for time in docks on minor routes, I don’t think it would make the route shorter, and it most likely mandate by Transport Canada to take slow docking. |
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,172
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Post by Neil on Jul 7, 2022 21:57:22 GMT -8
Cue the thick Canadian accent objecting: "But it's not safe!" It better to be than sorry because I don’t think it worth damaging anything for time in docks on minor routes, I don’t think it would make the route shorter, and it most likely mandate by Transport Canada to take slow docking. ...but the same day, when my Queen of Oak Bay sailing got into Horseshoe Bay, I was almost alarmed standing at the bow at how quickly we approached, before firing up the brakes for a perfectly smooth landing. So maybe it's partly captain's preference. I doubt it, though. Given the number of cancellations when the weather forecast looks slightly dodgy, Fort Street probably sets a pretty strict tone. And I imagine it's cheaper on fuel, and maybe, long term, on the machinery if a very conservative approach to docking is the norm. |
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Jul 7, 2022 22:07:27 GMT -8
It better to be than sorry because I don’t think it worth damaging anything for time in docks on minor routes, I don’t think it would make the route shorter, and it most likely mandate by Transport Canada to take slow docking. ...but the same day, when my Queen of Oak Bay sailing got into Horseshoe Bay, I was almost alarmed standing at the bow at how quickly we approached, before firing up the brakes for a perfectly smooth landing. So maybe it's partly captain's preference. I doubt it, though. Given the number of cancellations when the weather forecast looks slightly dodgy, Fort Street probably sets a pretty strict tone. And I imagine it's cheaper on fuel, and maybe, long term, on the machinery if a very conservative approach to docking is the norm. It could be new vessels and Nanaimo Harbour terminal seems like hardest terminal to dock at since the sea wall is right there. |
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Post by WettCoast on Jul 13, 2022 17:05:25 GMT -8
Took this boat over and back from Gabriola today. I can imagine residents are very happy with her, and her sister, given the improved capacity and scheduling. But, even though, from a ferry fan perspective, there are definitely some things to like, it was a confirmation of my original impression that these vessels are extravagant for the job they're intended to do. Waaay too overbuilt... too much steel, too much structure. Gabriola should have got two new updated Quinitsa's. Barebones, open deck fifty car vessels, four car lanes stretching over eighty metres or so of length. Same thing for Quadra. The Island class design is good for Cortes, Alert Bay/Sointula... routes that need sturdier designs to cope with more open water, but the idea that thirteen or so of these vessels should replace all the smaller vessels seems to me to be an extreme of uniformity. .... Another gripe, which bugs me about so much of BC Ferries' operations: the fearful approach to docking. They cut speed so far out from the berth, and spend an inordinate amount of time on a short crossing crawling into the slip. Maybe BC Ferries needs to talk to their colleagues at WSF about the virtues of getting in and out a bit quicker. On both fronts Neil, I agree with you. For all BCFS's good reasons to go with 'uniformity' there are, I think, just as many to not go that route. It applies to both large and small vessels equally. I would like to see two of the new majors as stripped down versions like the current Coastals, but without deck 5, and placed on route 30. Running Coastals as they are today makes sense only in that they can put those cavernous main car decks to good use on that route.
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Re the speed at which BCFS vessels approach the docks, I was on the Alberni again about a week ago and was surprised at the relatively high speed they were approaching berth 3, Departure Bay, at. Nevertheless, the actual docking was very gentle.
I have also observed landings that seem to be painfully slow ...
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Jul 13, 2022 23:25:10 GMT -8
Took this boat over and back from Gabriola today. I can imagine residents are very happy with her, and her sister, given the improved capacity and scheduling. But, even though, from a ferry fan perspective, there are definitely some things to like, it was a confirmation of my original impression that these vessels are extravagant for the job they're intended to do. Waaay too overbuilt... too much steel, too much structure. Gabriola should have got two new updated Quinitsa's. Barebones, open deck fifty car vessels, four car lanes stretching over eighty metres or so of length. Same thing for Quadra. The Island class design is good for Cortes, Alert Bay/Sointula... routes that need sturdier designs to cope with more open water, but the idea that thirteen or so of these vessels should replace all the smaller vessels seems to me to be an extreme of uniformity. .... Another gripe, which bugs me about so much of BC Ferries' operations: the fearful approach to docking. They cut speed so far out from the berth, and spend an inordinate amount of time on a short crossing crawling into the slip. Maybe BC Ferries needs to talk to their colleagues at WSF about the virtues of getting in and out a bit quicker. On both fronts Neil, I agree with you. For all BCFS's good reasons to go with 'uniformity' there are, I think, just as many to not go that route. It applies to both large and small vessels equally. I completely disagree with you too because people like space to move about, I don’t think update Quinitsa since has so little move about and has multiple lounges which could make hard on crew to find all the passengers in emergency. I agree with BC Ferries moving to standardize fleet because it’s gave all routes the same design, same on board experience, allows crews to easily move routes, and new / replacement vessels. |
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,172
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Post by Neil on Jul 14, 2022 19:24:42 GMT -8
On both fronts Neil, I agree with you. For all BCFS's good reasons to go with 'uniformity' there are, I think, just as many to not go that route. It applies to both large and small vessels equally. I completely disagree with you too because people like space to move about, I don’t think update Quinitsa since has so little move about and has multiple lounges which could make hard on crew to find all the passengers in emergency. I agree with BC Ferries moving to standardize fleet because it’s gave all routes the same design, same on board experience, allows crews to easily move routes, and new / replacement vessels. Blue Bus Fan, you say you completely disagree with me 'too'... I think you need to re-read the post above yours. The vast majority of ferry passengers are not ferry fans. They want to get from point A to B... moving about is not a priority, particularly on a ten to twenty minute ride. Washington State Ferries went for uniformity, and it resulted in a ridiculously expensive, overbuilt vessel on their fifteen minute Tahlequah route, where there is negligible foot traffic. BC Ferries may be doing the same thing at Quadra, Gabriola, Hornby, and perhaps a couple of other places, if they go for thirteen of these Island class vessels. I do understand that our ferry overlords can do calculations about cost effectiveness that are not accessible to us laypeople, and it may be that putting overbuilt boats on short routes makes sense, if uniformity is so important. But I doubt that the four lounges on a Quinitsa type vessel are an issue in an emergency; they're all on the same deck, on either side of the boat. |
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,172
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Post by Neil on Jul 14, 2022 19:27:17 GMT -8
I completely disagree with you too because people like space to move about, I don’t think update Quinitsa since has so little move about and has multiple lounges which could make hard on crew to find all the passengers in emergency. I agree with BC Ferries moving to standardize fleet because it’s gave all routes the same design, same on board experience, allows crews to easily move routes, and new / replacement vessels. Blue Bus Fan, you say you completely disagree with me 'too'... I think you need to re-read the post above yours. The vast majority of ferry passengers are not ferry fans. They want to get from point A to B... moving about is not a priority, particularly on a ten to twenty minute ride. Washington State Ferries went for uniformity, and it resulted in a ridiculously expensive, overbuilt vessel on their fifteen minute Tahlequah route, where there is negligible foot traffic. BC Ferries may be doing the same thing at Quadra, Gabriola, Hornby, and perhaps a couple of other places, albeit with more foot passengers, if they go for thirteen of these Island class vessels. I do understand that our ferry overlords can do calculations about cost effectiveness that are not accessible to us laypeople, and it may be that putting overbuilt boats on short routes makes sense, if uniformity is so important. But I doubt that the four lounges on a Quinitsa type vessel are an issue in an emergency; they're all on the same deck, on either side of the boat. |
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Post by Kahloke on Jul 14, 2022 19:54:31 GMT -8
I completely disagree with you too because people like space to move about, I don’t think update Quinitsa since has so little move about and has multiple lounges which could make hard on crew to find all the passengers in emergency. I agree with BC Ferries moving to standardize fleet because it’s gave all routes the same design, same on board experience, allows crews to easily move routes, and new / replacement vessels. Blue Bus Fan, you say you completely disagree with me 'too'... I think you need to re-read the post above yours. The vast majority of ferry passengers are not ferry fans. They want to get from point A to B... moving about is not a priority, particularly on a ten to twenty minute ride. Washington State Ferries went for uniformity, and it resulted in a ridiculously expensive, overbuilt vessel on their fifteen minute Tahlequah route, where there is negligible foot traffic. BC Ferries may be doing the same thing at Quadra, Gabriola, Hornby, and perhaps a couple of other places, if they go for thirteen of these Island class vessels. I do understand that our ferry overlords can do calculations about cost effectiveness that are not accessible to us laypeople, and it may be that putting overbuilt boats on short routes makes sense, if uniformity is so important. But I doubt that the four lounges on a Quinitsa type vessel are an issue in an emergency; they're all on the same deck, on either side of the boat. A ferry design similar or equal to Steilacoom II of Pierce County Ferries would be ideal for the Point Defiance-Tahlequah crossing. Chetzemoka is definitely overbuilt for that short crossing. The Olympic Class boats do well at Seattle-Bremerton and the San Juans. They're talking of building 3 of those for the Edmonds-Kingston route when it comes time to retire Walla Walla and Spokane. As for Mukilteo-Clinton, the Olympics have an overbuilt passenger cabin, but the car deck space is about right. With the Island Class, I'm curious how having 2 vessels on routes where there was previously only 1 is working out, especially with crewing. Is there enough staff to sustain service levels? |
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Jul 14, 2022 20:03:49 GMT -8
I completely disagree with you too because people like space to move about, I don’t think update Quinitsa since has so little move about and has multiple lounges which could make hard on crew to find all the passengers in emergency. I agree with BC Ferries moving to standardize fleet because it’s gave all routes the same design, same on board experience, allows crews to easily move routes, and new / replacement vessels. Blue Bus Fan, you say you completely disagree with me 'too'... I think you need to re-read the post above yours. The vast majority of ferry passengers are not ferry fans. They want to get from point A to B... moving about is not a priority, particularly on a ten to twenty minute ride. Washington State Ferries went for uniformity, and it resulted in a ridiculously expensive, overbuilt vessel on their fifteen minute Tahlequah route, where there is negligible foot traffic. BC Ferries may be doing the same thing at Quadra, Gabriola, Hornby, and perhaps a couple of other places, if they go for thirteen of these Island class vessels. I do understand that our ferry overlords can do calculations about cost effectiveness that are not accessible to us laypeople, and it may be that putting overbuilt boats on short routes makes sense, if uniformity is so important. But I doubt that the four lounges on a Quinitsa type vessel are an issue in an emergency; they're all on the same deck, on either side of the boat. I am not coming from ferry fan aspect, I am coming from customer point of view which is good for customer and employees. |
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Post by WettCoast on Jul 14, 2022 20:05:21 GMT -8
Blue Bus Fan, you say you completely disagree with me 'too'... I think you need to re-read the post above yours. The vast majority of ferry passengers are not ferry fans. They want to get from point A to B... moving about is not a priority, particularly on a ten to twenty minute ride. Washington State Ferries went for uniformity, and it resulted in a ridiculously expensive, overbuilt vessel on their fifteen minute Tahlequah route, where there is negligible foot traffic. BC Ferries may be doing the same thing at Quadra, Gabriola, Hornby, and perhaps a couple of other places, if they go for thirteen of these Island class vessels. I do understand that our ferry overlords can do calculations about cost effectiveness that are not accessible to us laypeople, and it may be that putting overbuilt boats on short routes makes sense, if uniformity is so important. But I doubt that the four lounges on a Quinitsa type vessel are an issue in an emergency; they're all on the same deck, on either side of the boat. I thought he was disagreeing with me though my points (and yours) had little to do with his points. |
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Post by WettCoast on Aug 8, 2022 21:43:35 GMT -8
Island Kwigwis, seen en route from Gabriola Island to Nanaimo, with distant mainland mountains for a back drop. This view is from Jack Point near the BC Ferries Terminal at Duke Point.
7 August 2022
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Sept 6, 2022 18:59:51 GMT -8
Island Kwigwis is at Departure Bay.
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Sept 7, 2022 17:56:03 GMT -8
Island Kwigwis is at Departure Bay. She has now made to Deas Island. |
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Post by yak on Sept 11, 2022 20:10:59 GMT -8
Island Kwigwis is at Departure Bay. She has now made to Deas Island. Due to return to service on the afternoon of the 15th with the Aurora tying up in Departure Bay for the night before heading up to the Quathiaski Cove layby berth on the 16th. Kwigwis and Gwawis had some minor improvements done in Deas including modifications to the approaches for the gallery decks. |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 12, 2022 6:37:35 GMT -8
Kwigwis and Gwawis had some minor improvements done in Deas including modifications to the approaches for the gallery decks. Thanks for the vessel move information, and for the photo-essay (in the other thread). Question on the Island Class gallery decks: I haven't driven on/off those deck ramps, but my walkabout impression was that it's a tight corner for a vehicle to steer off the ramp, while avoiding the main ship bulkhead at the main car-deck ramp.  20210103_163845 Island Aurora by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr I'm assuming that it's easier than it looks, for a vehicle driver. But similar to the garage-deck hatches when the Salish Class ships were new, is there passenger hesitancy to drive up to those gallery decks? Just curious. New things are often confusing for users. |
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Post by yak on Sept 12, 2022 9:09:17 GMT -8
Kwigwis and Gwawis had some minor improvements done in Deas including modifications to the approaches for the gallery decks. Question on the Island Class gallery decks: I haven't driven on/off those deck ramps, but my walkabout impression was that it's a tight corner for a vehicle to steer off the ramp, while avoiding the main ship bulkhead at the main car-deck ramp. I'm assuming that it's easier than it looks, for a vehicle driver. But similar to the garage-deck hatches when the Salish Class ships were new, is there passenger hesitancy to drive up to those gallery decks? Just curious. New things are often confusing for users. It was definitely identified as a target for improvement; the dog leg is more extreme than the approach to the garage-deck hatch on the Salish Class. There were some drivers who struggled to make the turn. The modifications were trialed on the K'ulut'a first and consisted of moving the railing back a couple of feet and moulding a wider addition to the bottom of the ramp. Drivers have been incentivized to go up on the gallery because they are among the first off on the other side (once the first few cars are cleared). This wasn't a good option on the Salish due to the amount of time it took to raise and lower the ramps but it works on the Island Class because there is minimal impact to the schedule. |
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Post by WettCoast on Apr 22, 2023 21:35:21 GMT -8
Island Kwigwis outbound from Nanaimo for Gabriola
10 April 2023
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Post by WettCoast on Aug 20, 2023 21:26:14 GMT -8
Island Kwigwis just underway from Descanso Bay, Gabriola Island, for Nanaimo - 17 August 2023
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Post by paulvanb on Sept 4, 2023 20:01:07 GMT -8
Look who is a Damen poster child!  |
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Post by WettCoast on Jan 18, 2024 20:53:48 GMT -8
Island Kwigwis sails off across Nanaimo Harbour en route to Gabriola Island.
22 December 2023
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