The Chetzemoka is expected to return to sea trials this week after installation of thicker rub rails to minimize risk of damage when it is docked.
The 65-car ferry, which will begin service on the route between Port Townsend and Whidbey Island in mid-November, was towed to Everett Shipyard last week for installation of 12-inch rub rails.
Sea trials had shown that more protection was needed at the four corners of the vessel, requiring additional rub rails, the Washington State Ferries system said in a statement.
Rub rails installed
“The construction design included rub rails with an about 5-inch standoff from the side of the boat,” the statement said.
“During sea trials, we recognized a potentially serious risk of damage to the installed Marine Evacuation System from contact with the existing marine structures in our berths given this small standoff.”
The thicker rub rail is more in line with the rest of the fleet, the ferries system said.
Plans remain on track for the inaugural sailing of the new ferry Sunday, Nov. 13.
The Port Townsend Family Portrait will coincide with the inaugural voyage, with the shoot planned for 3 p.m. at the ferry dock on Water Street.
The Chetzemoka is scheduled to pull into Keystone Harbor at about 10:30 a.m. to be christened by Gov. Chris Gregoire.
The ceremony will be open to the public. Port Townsend residents who want to attend are advised to board the 9:30 a.m. sailing of the Steilacoom II to travel to the Coupeville terminal on Whidbey Island.
The inaugural sailing will be for invited guests only, including Gregoire, and is expected to last one hour, about twice as long as the regular sailing.
Ceremony in PT
A second ceremony in Port Townsend will take place when the boat docks, at about 12:30 p.m.
It will be open to the public for tours before the community photograph is taken. Those who want to be in the portrait are asked to gather in the ferry’s holding area after the Steilacoom’s 2:45 p.m. sailing.
The picture, to be taken by Port Townsend photographer David Conklin, will be turned into a poster that will be available the next day for $10 at the Printery/Star Copy, 631 Tyler St.
The Chetzemoka will begin regular service on its route Monday, Nov. 15.
The ferry — which cost $76.5 million for construction, contingency and construction management — is named for the well-respected Klallam chief Chetzemoka, who was buried in Port Townsend.
The Chetzemoka will be the first permanent ferry on the Port Townsend-Coupeville route in nearly three years.
The 50-car Steilacoom II, which the state leases from Pierce County, has been the solo ferry between the two Admiralty Inlet docks since state Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond pulled the four 80-year-old Steel Electric ferries from service because their hulls were pitted and corroded.
