6319 replies to this topic

[todd]

I dunno. When the finally move to more dynamic pricing structure they should be able to better spread the loads out.
I received a letter from a commercial truck driver. BCF staff is fully aware he stays in his sleeper cab and they are fine with it.

If they don't want to come down and save me I'm OK with that, nobody needs to feel sorry if I stay down there and something happens.

[VicHockeyFan]

Does anyone know why we built the C-class ferries (1976 to 1981) as double-ended, then went to the Spirits (92-92) as single, then back to double for Coastal (2006-2008)?

[57WestHills]

Active Pass. The way double ended ferries run through there isn't particularly efficient. But the benefit of pan-fleet standardization and generally better technology made that less of an issue when the Coastals were bought.

Notwithstanding the Northern routes I doubt you'll ever see a single ended BC Ferry purchased again.

Edited by 57WestHills, 14 October 2017 - 11:51 AM.

[Bingo]

Does anyone know why we built the C-class ferries (1976 to 1981) as double-ended, then went to the Spirits (92-92) as single, then back to double for Coastal (2006-2008)?

 

Double ended hulls don't have as an efficient underwater shape. How many pleasure boat owners would prefer that their vessels were double ended?

The only advantage a ferry has is that on a short trip they don't loose time turning the vessel around.

[VicHockeyFan]

Interesting. Thanks!

[jonny]

For context: the Coastals are the largest double ended ferries in the world, so the envelope was pushed when they were built. They are not that much smaller than the Spirits. They only carry about 40 fewer cars, if memory serves me correctly.

[VicHockeyFan]

I think it’s 80 but ya.

[Nparker]

...the Coastals ...only carry about 40 fewer cars..

I think it’s 80 but ya.

Coastal class vehicle* capacity = 310
Spirit class vehicle* capacity = 358

 

The Coastals also carry about 500 fewer passengers.

 

* *Automobile Equivalent (AEQ) is used to determine vessel capacity based on a standard vehicle measure of 6.1 x 2.6 meters, roughly equal to a full size family vehicle.

[VicHockeyFan]

I thought it was 390 vs. 470.

[Bingo]

Post too late.

 

Edited by Bingo, 14 October 2017 - 12:51 PM.

[Nparker]

 

[todd]

I thought it was 390 vs. 470.

Maybe that's the Smart Car capacity.

[Bingo]

Once the two Spirit ships return from their LNG conversion they should have a clear advantage over the Coastal ships.

[jonny]

I know what the official stats say, but I was told when they are only moving personal vehicles the difference is about 40 cars.

[VicHockeyFan]

I dunno in the olden days they were 470.

http://www.westcoast...uverisland.html

[VicHockeyFan]

And Coastal was 370.

https://en.m.wikiped...tal-class_ferry

[Bingo]

I dunno in the olden days they were 470.

What is your definition of "olden" ?

[Nparker]

...in the olden days they [the Spirits] were 470.

And Coastal was 370.

That's why I included BC Ferries' definition of an Automobile Equivalent (AEQ) above.

[Nparker]

I know what the official stats say, but I was told when they are only moving personal vehicles the difference is about 40 cars.

Official stats indicate the difference between Coastals & Spirits is 48 AEQ's so it seems that your information is accurate.

[Bingo]

It all depends on how the crews load the ship. I have seen times when they could have got more vehicles on.