Guemes Ferry Haul Out Information

Guemes Island Ferry Haulout Update September 30, 2005

Unanticipated and necessary repairs to various components of the vessel’s propulsion and propulsion related systems were discovered during the routine inspections pertaining to the dry docking in Bellingham. This work is already underway so as to keep the project as close to its original schedule as possible.

However, the shipyard will need additional working days to allow for the unanticipated work and for parts fabrication. We anticipate that as many as 18 additional calendar days will be required to complete these repairs.

As of today, the anticipated return to service date of the M/V Guemes will be October 26, 2005. Keep in mind that this is not a firm date.

We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

If you have any questions, please contact Steve Flude, Asst. County Engineer at (360) 336-9400.

LineTime: At the recent ferry committee meeting, a representative of Arrow Launch promised a list of those passenger ferry runs that would be canceled or would present difficulty for folks with mobility issues due to low tides. Has such a list been prepared?

We are getting ramps to extend out further into the water to help eliminate any missed runs. The tides are improving from this point onwards. These ramps should help.

Steve Cox, ferry manager, [9.20.5]

Residents have requested that we extend the shuttle van hours on Guemes Island during the weekends.

We will extend the operation of the shuttle to include the weekends. The hours of operation of the shuttle on both Saturday and Sunday will be from 7 AM to 5 PM.

If you have any questions contact Steve Cox at 360-336-9400, ext. 3420.

Skagit County Public Works [9.16.5]

We will be providing temporary parking in the two new lots on Guemes Island. These areas are being leveled and graveled. The lots should be available Friday, September 9, 2005 in the afternoon.

Garbage drop boxes will be provided at the temporary parking lot. The garbage boxes will be open beginning Tuesday, September 13th and will be open every Tuesday through Saturday from 2 PM through 6 PM until the vehicle ferry comes back into service in October. There will be an attendant present during the stated hours of operation.  This service is for household garbage only and not construction or other large objects such as furniture, appliances, and the like.

There will be a shuttle bus service on Guemes Island commencing on September 12th. The bus driver can be reached at 360-333-2529.

The ferry haul out will commence after the 10 P.M. run on September 11, 2005. The vessel is scheduled into the ship yard at 7 A.M., September 12, 2005. According to the ship yard, the M/V Guemes will be back in service on October 8, 2005.  This date, of course, is subject to change based upon unforeseen circumstances arising from the work in the ship yard and / or the construction at either the Anacortes or Guemes docks.

The vessel being used from September 12 thru September 18 will be the STRAIT ARROW which will land on the ramps. The Guemes and Anacortes docks are now anticipated to be out of service from September 19 through October 6, 2005. This will necessitate using a beaching vessel. The vessel being used is the WARRIOR.  Covered seating and standing areas will be provided. Bicycles and motor scooters will be permitted depending on loads at the Captain’s discretion.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Steve Cox, Ferry Manager, at 360-336-9400.
stevec@co.skagit.wa.us

Skagit County Public Works [9.8.5]

Ferry Haul Out Now Scheduled For September 11

The ferry haul out will commence after the 10 pm run on September 11, 2005. The vessel is scheduled into the ship yard at 7 am, September 12, 2005. According to the ship yard, the M/V Guemes will be back in service on October 8, 2005, barring unforeseen circumstances.

Skagit County Public Works [8.19.05]

County Letter On Haul Out

The dates for the haul out of the Guemes Ferry have been modified. The car ferry will be going out of service at approximately 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 11, 2005 and return to service sometime after October 6, 2005. The passenger only ferry will be provided during the haul out.

Skagit County Public Works [6.27.05]

Passenger Only Service from September 8 to October 6

The Guemes Island Ferry is scheduled for a haul out for major repairs from September 8, 2005 to October 6, 2005. During that period, passenger only service will be provided to Guemes Island. The lengthy haul-out this year is due to a number of improvements required to improve reliability and access.

Project to be completed during the haul-out are:

• Replacement of engines with EPA compliant, more fuel efficient engines

• Construct an addition to the sponson to help eliminate propeller damage

• Improved access to the parking lot on Guemes Island by re-arranging the ramp and passenger access from and to the ferry.

• Critical and necessary repairs to the Anacortes dock ramp

• Provide ADA compliant passenger space on board the ferry. This change will allow wheel chair access to the passenger cabin.

For further information, contact: Steve Cox, Ferry Manager, 360-336-9400

Skagit County Public Works [6.15.05]