| Arni J. Richter |
The ferry, Arni J. Richter has been in dry dock since early November at Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay. There, it has undergone extended repairs on the starboard propulsion components. Symptoms of vibration were noted since the first season of operation in 2003. these problems persisted and worsened, despite several dry dockings during which a variety of work was accomplished to improve the situation.
This time, a new starboard shaft was manufactured, the starboard propeller was dynamically balanced, and starboard reduction gear components were repaired or replaced. The sum of this work was intended to either eliminate sources or correct problems that resulted from the main vibration problem. However, shaft realignment was not addressed until now. This requires a specialized tool to rebore the inside of the shaft log in order to define a new, and correct shaft centerline.
Our expectation is to place the AJR back in service soon with a flawlessly operating starboard shaft and propulsion system. The port side system, it should be noted, has performed well through approximately 8,000 hours of service so far. We anticipate the ARJ's return to the island prior to the middle of December. |
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Water Drops to Record Low Levels
Seasonal drops in the water levels, plus additional daily fluctuation caused by strong northerly winds, have created what are (or will soon be) record low lake levels.
Besides working closely to the lake bottom at our docks on either side, with chance of damage to skegs or propellers, there is the ongoing problem of how to load or unload cars and trucks safely. Ferry decks are now lower than the dock surfaces, and traffic has to negotiate steep inclines connecting the two. In most cases, our hydraulic shore ramps are already at their lowest positions. That steepness can be further aggravated by snow or ice, making surfaces slipper for people as well as vehicle tires.
What sort of solutions do we see to help this problem, given the fact low water may be here for an unspecified time into the future? We applied for and received permits to dredge. That will help in the short term. We also applied to reconstruct the ramp on the south side, but WDNR attached conditions that are |
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unacceptable to WIFL. As a result, we're now awaiting a Contested Case Hearing set for late February 2008.
In the meantime, not knowing what sort of permit approvals WDNR might give us, we are intent upon:
- Dredging at both the island and Northport docks
- Constructing a new ramp to be located at the outer end of Northport Pier. This ramp would have a longer approach and a lower outboard end than any of our existing ramps. These solutions aren't cheap, and may not be permanent answers, but they help to buy more time in the hope water levels will bounce back in the near future.
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Quick Response to FAQs
1. What's happening with Plum & Pilot Islands?
BLM transferred the two islands to U.S. Fish and Wildlife in October. These lands now reside under USFWS care as managed wildlife refuge islands. First steps in building and pier restoration have already begun with work assessments. A newly formed group called Friends of Plum & Pilot Islands has taken responsibility for moving this project forward, as a partner with USFWS. Anyone interested in the future of the islands, wildlife, the buildings, or history are sought as FOPPI members. Contact: FOPPI c/o Eric Greenfield, 1540 Detroit Harbor Road, Washington Island, Wisconsin 54246 for membership information or check the new FOPPI website www.plumandpilot.org for member information and photos or contact Tim Sweet, FOPPI president at tjsweet@charter.net.
2. What's with backing cars on the ferry all of a sudden?
Low water levels make bow-loading our current and best option. (We're not certain yet how the AJR will load). We realize this loading process may be awkward and time consuming and difficult for many. But for the near future this may be the only way we
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can safely load the ferries. Please don't hesitate to ask a crew member for help in getting our car properly parked.
3. How did the 2007 tourism season compare with 2006?
We saw increases in each of the major months of tourism in the range of 5-7%, both in vehicles and passengers. Improved traffic was helped by outstanding weather on key holiday weekends. Also, local marketing and a stepped up campaign by the Door County Visitor's Bureau, featuring Washington Island, helped elevate Washington Island as a destination.
4. Has the ferry been cancelled more than usual lately?
We've canceled ferry service during a number of very windy stretches recently, and yes,it does seem as though we've had more than our share of high winds this late fall. When coupled with freezing temperatures, high winds create slippery decks and difficult crossing. Low water also factors in because of depths around the entrance light that are critical for getting in or out of Detroit Harbor.
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Tariff 2008 – Passenger Fares Increase
The single major change in tariff for 2008 will be an increase in the Adult Round Trip rate from $10 to $11, and in the Child Round Trip rate from $5 to $5.50. Vehicles and freight rates will stay the same.
Click here to view June newsletter
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Holiday Greetings to All
Have a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year Holiday. Call our office with travel questions. Let us know if we can help you with ferry reservations. Booklets of auto and passenger tickets are now being sold during regular office hours. Office hours are reduced, but we're still open Monday thru Friday (7:30 am to 4:00 pm) and Saturday (8:00 am- 1:00 pm)
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