We desperately need new ferry boats for the PT-Keystone route. However, we need the right boat. I fear that in the rush to do *something*, the wrong boat for the job will be ordered. We appear to be ready to put a minor-league boat on a major-league route.

Pierce County will soon be loaning WSF a boat. The Steilacoom-II class ferry is well suited for the Steilacoom-Anderson Island route. This boat may be immediately available as a substitute and provide much needed temporary relief. However, this class of boat is NOT a good permanent fit for traversing Admiralty Inlet. Yet it appears that the Governor wants to build several of them now.

Look at www.nicholsboats.com/PDF/S-146%20Steilacoom%20II.pdf .
This boat holds 54 cars & 325 passengers. The Steel Electrics held 59 cars & 616 passengers. We end up with smaller, slightly slower boats that hold far fewer folks. They are not passenger friendly.

But the main issue will be weather. This boat will not take wind and waves as well. It will mean more delays and cancellations. It will also yield far less protection from salt-water spray for the onboard vehicles.

This boat may be perfect to ferry cars across Lake Washington in Seattle. But at the edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, it is NOT a very good idea. This is a giant step backwards.