MADONNA - FIRST TRIPS - 39.0

Completion of first round trip, 10:45 am Sunday.
Load consisted of 10 Segways and 27
autos.  (Purinton photo) 

Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -

Saturday's thunderstorms moved on, the last occurring during the early morning hours around 4 pm, and a warm westerly breeze settled in.  It seemed to Hoyt, Rich and Erik Foss like a perfect opportunity to run the Madonna on her first official revenue-making runs.  It was to be a chance to get used to the vessel, practice handling, see how the various ramp locations matched up, and to help out with the line of traffic that was "around the corner" at Northport by 10:00 am.

Meeting Arni J. Richter in the channel as we depart
Washington Island.  At this point, all five ferries
were underway.

Capt. Erik Foss took the wheel for the first of several runs
on the Madonna's first outing.  (Purinton photo)

We arrived at the Island dock in time to see the first round trip unload, with 10 Segways and 27 vehicles disembarking at the Island dock.  Then, an easy load of 24 vehicles were flagged aboard.  Next door, at another ramp, the Eyrarbakki began to load.  After replacement of several nav light bulbs, the crew of this 1970 vessel, christened 50 years ago (nearly to the day) joined in the sequence.

For the first time in quite awhile, five ferries were underway at one time.

A few white clouds and white sails dotted the horizon as
we crossed the Door on the second official round trip.

The smoothness and quietness of the ride were two very noticeable characteristics, as was the roominess and choices of vantage point for passengers who chose to get out of their vehicles and observe their surroundings.  The blue sky, the green of nearby shorelines, and numerous white sails of competitors passing through the Door, racers in the "Hook Race" that started Saturday in Racine and ends today in Sturgeon Bay, added greatly to the color - and, may I say, the excitement - of the crossing.

Among the passengers enjoying the ride on the Madonna's
upper deck were Marty Leibforth and Katherine Gordon. 
Ferry Washington nears the course turning point
off Plum Island.

On board were Rich Ellefson and Hoyt Purinton, this time working in the capacity of deckhands, while Eric Foss got time at the controls from the Pilot House and bridge.  Heavier, and longer, there is a learning curve to mastering this ferry, and it will take some time to obtain comfort and confidence in operations, but Eric did a great job of easing in to the piers at a variety of locations, both backing in and bow-first approaches.   Upon reaching Northport Pier, and with the end of the line still not yet visible from the upper deck, a quick 28 vehicles were loaded on board, seven per lane, with room remaining at either end of the lanes, and between lanes.

Completing a 28-car load proved what had been
laid out on paper, and it was accomplished in about the
same time as a 19-auto load on our smaller ferries.

Perhaps it is the solid structural members, the added length, and the CAT 32, V-12 diesels that run so smoothly, but most likely a combination of each of those elements in concert.  The overall effect makes Madonna's performance underway seem superior from a ridership standpoint of any of our ferries.  In fact, I would put the ride experienced this morning with any of a variety of passenger vessels I've had the pleasure to ride aboard from U. S. or foreign ports!

We're hoping that, over time, similar experiences can be enjoyed by all who travel regularly between the Island and the mainland peninsula.

-   Dick Purinton

MADONNA IS HOME! - 38.0

Madonna shortly after departing Bay Shipbuilding Friday
afternoon, enroute to Detroit Harbor on delivery run.
(Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding photo)

Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -

When a vessel is designed, constructed, launched, sea trialed, and then sailed home, the hope is always that it will be right: feel right, look right, handle right.  Each step along the way, including the components chosen, contribute to the overall product:  engines, gears, shafts, propellers, electronics, seating, flooring, deck coatings.  If one or two elements miss the mark the whole can seem off and create disappointment.  And until the whole is assembled, sea-trialed and sailed, judgement cannot be properly given.

Madonna shadowed by Washington Island Coast Guard's
SAR vessel as she entered port.  (Tyler McGrane)

That is a part of the mystery of shipbuilding: built upon science, improved from existing examples, and put together by those who know their trade well.  Still, always a bit of a gamble as the whole comes together.

A portion of the small fleet that trailed in the Madonna's
wake.  (Tyler McGrane)

In the case of Madonna, the new ferry designed by Seacraft Design and built by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, both Sturgeon Bay entities, the process and the product thus far speak of great success.

Added to the characteristics listed above is functionality, its acceptance and trust by those who sail her, by those who stand upon her decks as passengers and enjoy her services.

We know some unknowns await to be answered, but many major hurdles have been crossed.  Gauging by initial crowd reactions, for there were several hundred who came out last evening by boat and by car to see the new ferry, it meets the criteria of a winning vessel so far.

Madonna and Coast Guard escort.
(Kim Toro)

Last-minute items had been sorted out during this past week, a press to resolve "head scratchers" such as improvement of the steering system (check!) and the suction for pumps that energize the fire mains and sprinkler systems (check! yet again).   Yard personnel, vessel designer, and WIFL personnel put their heads together to best resolve those issues.

A Certificate of Inspection was granted by the U. S. Coast Guard, required before carrying vehicles and passengers.  A check was exchanged, a signature of ownership given to mark the transfer. and hands were shaken by Todd Thayse, Fincantieri General Manager and Vice President, and Rich Ellefson, WIFL Construction Representative and Company Vice President.  That was late on Friday morning.

A mild breeze blew from the south as Rich
Ellefson made his approach, then swung the
Madonna's stern 180 degrees to nail this first
landing at the Island dock.  (Jim Rose photo)

By 2:00 pm a number of vehicles were run aboard the car deck, mooring lines were cast off, and Madonna headed north for home port.

On board were Hoyt and Rich and their two young sons, Magnus and Brody, observer Terri Moore (who in a "normal summer" would drive the Cherry Train), and a number of key Bay Shipbuilding personnel.

Among the latter was Steve Propsom who was on a "final lap" over the waters of Green Bay aboard his last project assignment as shipbuilder and project manager.  Upon mooring at the Island, lines were made fast to the Island pier and Steve's 46-year career in local shipbuilding came to a close.  Retirement adventures would next deserve his full attention.

Along with approximately 15 other small craft, we on the Moby Dick fell in behind the Washington Island Coast Guard in helping to escort Madonna in her last mile to port.  We were thrilled by the sight, and we absorbed each authoritative air horn blast as Rich Ellefson issued the "long salute".  Such moments in one's life (and career) are rare, especially when they happen on such a beautiful Friday evening, joined by several hundred onlookers. We sensed community pride in product, and not just our own.  We are convinced this vessel will continue to meet expectations.  

Madonna, positioned for backing in to south ramp.
Rich stands at the stern controls, but there's also
great PH visibility, should the operator chooses to remain
in the wheel house throughout the landing evolution.
(Jim Rose)

No sooner had Rich swung the Madonna's stern to the pier, pressing the rub rail against the dock tires, and the ramp was lowered and vehicles on board were driven off.  Dozens of folks on the pier, most wearing face masks and mindful of the Covid-19 threat, had by that time lined up to come aboard for closer inspection.  This parade of viewing lasted for the better part of an hour, before the crowd thinned.  The crew then removed pallets of paint, lube oil and spare parts from the deck, stores intended for future maintenance and repair projects, before laying the new ferry port side to the pier for the evening.

First line over, secured by Hoyt Purinton, approximately 6:30 pm.
(Jim Rose)

This morning, as a line of thunderstorms approached, Mary Jo and I got up early, still dreaming about the evening before.  We drove out to the ferry dock to see if the Madonna, a longtime dream, was still moored securely at the Island pier.  She was.

We returned home satisfied, but excited for her future appearance on local waters.  We look forward, as do crew members of the Ferry Line and our many customers, to its first regular service.

Steve Propsom (Bay Shipbuilding), Magnus and Hoyt Purinton,
and Rich Ellefson, upon arrival, relieved and satisfied at successful
delivery, and to be joined by well-wishers.
(Kim Toro photo)

Madonna is about to enter dedicated ferry service, for what we anticipate will be decades of faithful operations--winter and summer--for Washington Island, its residents and visitors.

All off this has happened during the 80th anniversary of Washington Island Ferry Line, Inc., an additional reason to celebrate.

      -  Dick Purinton

PS -  I was busy steering the Moby Dick last evening and wasn't able to take photos.  Thanks to all who sent me a selection from which to choose.

Steve Propsom with author.  Steve retires after
46 years in area shipbuilding.  One note: this writer also
celebrates 46 years with the Ferry Line, in late October.
Jim Rose, WIFL employee (and the photographer here)
reminded us that his first day as a Ferry Line ticket seller
was the day of the Robert Noble christening, June of 1979.
Steve began his career as a part of the Peterson Builder's work
force on that ferry project.
We've each had the pleasure of observing the bay freezing
over--and then thawing once again--many times.    

MADONNA CONSTRUCTI0N - 37.0

Capt. Joel Gunnlaugsson with Fincantieri
Senior Project Supervisor Steve Propsom, upon
return to port after sea trials.  Broom signifies
a "clean sweep", the satisfaction of
requirements for U. S. Coast Guard Certificate
of Inspection.  (Purinton photos in all cases)

Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -

Having been absent here for a few weeks in reporting on construction, during which time the christening took place at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, we're now back to continue the story, with particulars of where the new ferry Madonna stands in terms of finishing and delivery.

First, we need to update statements regarding the steering system, because the first assessment for remedy didn't prove out.

One of many details added in the past weeks:
a step for crew to reach and tie mooring lines.

During Builder's Trials, a test run of the vessel's systems, its engines, electronics, etc., it was discovered that steering responsiveness seemed to lessen over time.  Greater revolution of the pilot house helm was required to move the rudder just a few degrees. The cause was determined to be hydraulic oil heating and thinning with longer running time time.  The probable fix appeared to be reduction of heating by means of installing a lower volume output hydraulic pump, and by enlarging the diameter of the piping from pump/reservoir to pilot house and to the steering rams back aft, a rather long run with many angles and turns in the piping.

Fincantieri pipe fitters began work right away and installed larger inside diameter piping.  But as for a lower output, CAT engine-compatible hydraulic pump, none was found in the marketplace.  Instead, a flow valve was installed, along with an oil cooler (fed by the same pump that flushes stern tubes). During a second Builder's Trial, performed two days ago on Monday, July 13, the steering seemed to perform well.

As can often happen with more time spent underway, a few more items also came to light, and they were highlighted on the punch list.

After Monday's successful underway trial, a second sea trial was then scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, this time with a U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment observer on board.   This sea trial fell almost exactly 1-1/2 months beyond the original estimated Madonna delivery date, a point of secondary importance to getting steering, as well as other vessel functions, to where they needed to be.

In this photo, you're looking up the ladder
that leads from engine room to main deck.

Madonna engine room has come a long way:
a complex space of piping, wiring and machinery,
but with room to move about.  A Bay Ship
mechanic can just be seen between generators,
monitoring fluids and temperatures.

Clean bilge; CAT engine control boxes;
bilge piping manifold beneath.  One example of
well-laid out, yet separate, systems.

We departed the Bay Shipbuilding slip at 10:00 a.m. and proceeded to the outer bay, with approximately a dozen yard personnel plus five Ferry Line representatives on board.

Enroute to sea trials, Madonna passed
Cason J. Calloway, inbound to Bay
Shipbuilding for repairs.

At the conclusion of several drills and with Joel Gunnlaugsson
at the wheel in the pilot house:
Rich Ellefson, Steve Propsom, Jeff Cornell, Dan Petersilka and
Hoyt Purinton.

By the time we reached Sherwood Point light, having passed port-to-port in the entrance channel the Cason J. Calloway, inbound to the shipyard for repairs, the Madonna's engines and fluids were warmed to anticipated operational temperatures.  Steering maneuvers, the shifting of generator loads, "crash stops" (full back while carrying typical forward momentum), a man overboard drill, and demonstration of good water pressure on main deck fire hydrants, were among items checked off during the several hours underway.  The sea trial was termed a success, and the number of items on the "to-do list" were trimmed even further.

A man overboard drill was conducted using a dummy
designed for such an evolution (approx. 150# with water
weight).  Shown:  Coast Guard observer Tom Hunninger,
Jeff Cornell, and Hoyt Purinton on bow ramp.

Another day or so will be used to tie up remaining loose ends, and to reconcile our standing with the Fincantieri yard regarding "who pays for what."  Those discussions may continue for some time, but a general understanding must be met in order to transfer ownership, and satisfy builder and owner product expectations, contractual items met, and with an appropriate USCG Certificate of Inspection forthcoming (like having a motor vehicle license plate, only with particulars of operation spelled out in detail).

A view of mezzanine cabin passenger seating.

When can we expect Madonna to be underway for Detroit Harbor?  Perhaps Friday.  We'll have to see.

  -  Dick Purinton

Upper deck passenger seating and pilot house.

MADONNA CHRISTENED!

Karen Jess smiles upon successfully breaking champagne bottle on the
Madonna's second deck   She was coached by Project Supervisor Steve
Propsom (alongside) and Foreman Dan Petersilka.  In keeping with safety 
protocol, Karen wore protective glasses and gloves.   All
event participants and workers wore masks, a Fincantieri company
requirement since early May. (Purinton photo)

Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -

The new Washington Island Ferry Madonna was properly blessed and christened at the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding facility Monday, June 29, before a crowd of several hundred masked and socially scattered workers.  They were joined by approximately 60 invited guests, many of whom were key in the vessel's development and construction.

Rev. James Reiff, pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church near Oshkosh, and a former pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Washington Island in the early 1980s, provided the christening blessing.  Karen Jess of Washington Island did the honors by breaking a champagne bottle upon the new, 124-foot Madonna.

Rev. James E. Reiff, who provided the christening blessing,
with Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding Vice President and
General Manager Todd Thayse.

Karen and her late husband Butch Jess, along with Rev. Reiff, commissioned a model of the Ole Christiansen schooner Madonna as a memorial to Kelly Jess, who lost his life to cancer at the age of 14, in 1980.  That ship model has hung high in the center of the nave in Trinity since 1981.  It was that model, and the historical connection with Ole Christiansen's Island trading enterprise, that brought about the decision to name the new ferry Madonna.

Several Fincantieri workforce on uppermost deck
during Monday's christening event at Bay Shipbuilding.
Setting was both dramatic and colorful, flanked with large
lake ships on either side.
(Helen Bacon photo)

Yesterday's event at Bay Shipbuilding came at a late moment in the construction of the Madonna. She is about 95% complete.  The christening celebrated the multi-skilled workforce of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, and also contributions by key product vendors and service providers.  As an example, there were representatives of Seacraft Design (Mark Pudlo, Naval Architect), Nicolet Bank, and Palmer Johnson Power Systems (Twin Disc gears) present.   Ferry Captains Joel Gunnlaugsson and Erik Foss were also on hand, as were each of the Ferry Line's Directors, plus many owners and representatives of the Richter family.

Hoyt Purinton, Ferry Line President, thanked
the many people responsible for a high
quality vessel, including members of the
local U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office
who inspect and assure quality in compliance
with federal guidelines for domestic
small passenger vessels.
(Helen Bacon photo)

Monday's christening ceremony also provided an opportunity to publicly describe the successful conclusion of building a specialized product for local use, the third WIFL ferry built at Bay Shipbuilding since 1970, and the seventh in a string of ferries going back to 1950 with the C. G. Richter.  Each were built by Sturgeon Bay shipbuilders and designed by Sturgeon Bay naval architects.

Rich Ellefson followed the Madonna project
closely from day  one as on-site
Company representative.  He came to know
many of Bay Ship's workers and supservisors,
and to respect their expertise in shipbuilding.
(Helen Bacon photo)

Bay Ship's work list has a few items left to tie up, including installation of a hydraulic steering pump, a specialized (not an off-the-shelf item) pump that must mate with one of the Caterpillar main engine drives.  This pump will supply  proper flow and pressure to steering rams and components.

When completed, this task is expected to be followed with a U. S. Coast Guard underway sea trial, and upon acceptance, a Certificate of Inspection.  The new ferry should be ready to sail north to Detroit Harbor sometime in the next two-to-three weeks.  

In the meantime, out of Detroit Harbor the remaining four ferries of the WIFL fleet now sail the Door at half-hour intervals.  Since Friday the 26th, the more frequent ferry "summer" schedule has been implemented.

Over the past several weeks, vehicular traffic, along with some bicyclists and a handful of "walk-ons," has shown great promise in picking up the Island's tourism season at a critical time.

We hope that the numbers of Island guests plus residents will follow prescribed and sensible measures, helping to limit the possibilities for Coronavirus spread.  Wisconsin and Washington Island in their rather concentrated tourism season will need everything to go right in order to bring economic success to businesses relying on solid numbers.

-  Dick Purinton

MADONNA - UNDERWAY - 36.0

Madonna underway off the stone quarry, outer bay,
during builder's trial, Friday afternoon, June 19.
(Photo by Erich Pfeifer)

Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -

After long days of chasing down and correcting details, some small, some large, Rich Ellefson reported that Madonna would sail from the dock for the first time.  This would be the "builder's trial" in which various components and equipment would be tried and tested, including running main engines up to temperature while various systems were monitored.   Apparently things went well (or, I just didn't hear about the glitches!).

Bay Ship and Ferry Line representatives gathered for
briefing on main deck prior to leaving pier, and again
upon their return dockside.  (Hoyt Purinton)

Hoyt Purinton, Erik Foss, Joel Gunnlaugsson and Jeff Cornell joined Rich for the day, their first opportunity to see and experience the vessel underway.  A few photos are shown here of the Bay Shipbuilding and WIFL crew members in conference, and on the bridge.   With a few more days' work, the vessel could be ready for U. S. Coast Guard sea trials by mid-week.

Ferry line captains Jeff Cornell, Erik Foss, Rich Ellefson
and Joel Gunnlaugsson on upper deck.

Christening plans

In a departure from christening of the last several ferries, a ceremony will take place within the shipyard, with members of the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding workforce present, along with a few invited guests.

We'll hold details of the christening back a few more days as we reflect back on other ferries and the christening ceremonies that took place, both at the shipyard and here on Washington Island, when the public was invited to take part in the festivities.

A few panels and wires yet to be made permanent,
but the pilot house was functional for builder's trial.
(Hoyt Purinton)

Several reasons led to our decision to hold the christening at the shipyard.  One, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding wishes to recognize its workforce for a job well-done on a product that will sail in their "backyard," so to speak.  We will join the yard management in offering our thanks, and congratulations for a job well done.  A substantial amount of pride has been evident in workers who participated in this vessel construction, intended for Door County service, what could easily be 4-5 decades or more of continuous use for ferry transportation.  This occasion also highlights the importance of shipbuilding to the area's economy, and the contribution building such a vessel adds to Door County and the region.  Another reason for holding the christening within the shipyard confines is that with Covid-19 as a threat to public health it becomes easier to hold the christening in a controlled setting.  All participants will be asked to wear a mask (the Bay Ship workforce has been doing this for five weeks or more).

In wheelhouse:  WIFL construction supervisor and vice-president Rich Ellefson
with Steve Propsom, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding Senior Project Supervisor.
(Hoyt Purinton photo)

We'll provide more detail in a few days' time.  -  Dick Purinton

MADONNA CONSTRUCTION - WINDING DOWN - 34.0

Pilot house console is in finishing stages but with a substantial amount
of wiring for switches and controls yet to be finished.
(All photos by Rich Ellefson/WIFL)

DETROIT HARBOR, WASHINGTON ISLAND -

Here we are in early June, and the ten-month-long construction project of the ferry Madonna at the Sturgeon Bay Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding facility is
nearing the final stages. Engines and shipboard systems are ready to be energized and tested.  Those evolutions will take place at pier side this coming week.

Once those accomplishments and adjustments have met with approvals, the new Washington Island Ferry Madonna should be cleared for underway sea trials.

A small winch and the block above it, shackled to
the ramp king post, are pieces of gear used in
assisting crew in a "man overboard" situation.
Ore boat moored in background is one of several
Great Lakes bulk carriers returned to port
during this prolonged economic slow down.

There is still, undeniably, a ways to go.  Wrinkles along the way can be expected, a part of such a project with this many pieces.  We're optimistically looking for a delivery sometime in the week of June 22.




 When will the Madonna be accepted by and then delivered to Washington Island Ferry Line?

Soon.  Very soon!

This set-up is for flushing and pressure testing the
various hydraulic lines.   (I had mistakenly indicated
in my first caption that it was for flushing the fuel tank: Not so!) 
Hydraulic valves and pumps operate under pressure of at least
several hundred pounds.  Small particles or slivers of metal
can ruin close tolerance ports.

-  Dick Purinton

The ship's anchoring system, like man overboard
equipment, must be examined and proven effective  to
a U. S. Coast Guard Marine Inspection
Office representative.

Graduated fuel level stick.

Just before sunup Thursday morning, a fuel truck dropped in a load of fuel to the 
freshly cleaned and calibrated fuel tank. This will enable start-up of generators
and main engines over the next few work days.

Shiny aluminum deck plates span framing
and provide safe engine room walkways.
Racor fuel filters are mounted at left.

Ramp hydraulics are connected and
ready for testing.

MADONNA CONSTRUCTION - 33.0

Madonna engine room with pump switch boxes, upper left,
and wiring still to be connected. (Rich Ellefson photos)

Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -

One of the more interesting things to observe over a period of several months' construction is how the many pieces and parts, and skills and know-how of the builders, come together.  What seems at times a maze of wires, piping, and materials, gains order day-by-day until it becomes a workable (and one could almost say, "living") vessel.

In today's post, Rich Ellefson's photos show what to the casual observer's eye is still apparent chaos.  And yet, it will soon be sorted out, put in place.  Within another three weeks, this vessel will be underway, sea trialed, and delivered.

The photo above shows the Madonna after deck, with various fluids soon to be introduced into the ship.  Red barrels hold lube oil for engines and gears.  Black barrels hold coolant for the engine cooling loops, having special additives to reduce internal corrosion.  The red barrels hold hydraulic oil for various pumps and systems including steering and ramps.  The six boxes in the foreground are welding machines.  Deck fans--one is at lower left--help ventilate below deck spaces and bring fresh air to workers.

Passen ger cabin finish work continues. A filler product has
been added to level and smooth the steel deck inside
cabin.

Hydraulic manifold for fire and ramp systems.   

This morning, Thursday May 28 according to Rich Ellefson, the Madonna will be towed by tug from one berth to another, making room for another of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding's projects, a vessel for Interlake.  Remaining finish work for our ferry will take place at berth #2, at the south end of the shipyard.

Within the next week or so, a truck load of diesel fuel will be dropped into the fuel tank, after which generators can be started.  Main engine start-up will follow a bit later.  For safety reasons, fuel will not be introduced to the fuel tank and engine room lines until hot work there has been completed.


- Dick Purinton

GETTING READY: SUMMER AND HIGH WATER

A concrete pour--the approach to the Island readjusted
north ramp was in progress early Thursday afternoon.
At left, Jon Mann floats thesurface; Rich Ellefson and
Brien Jordan trowel and smooth, at top.   Surface will require
a minimum several days to set before lighter
loads can be driven across.  (Purinton photos)

Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -

We're beginning Memorial Day Weekend, usually the first brush with tourism volume of any significance.  This year, we don't know what this year's holiday weekend might bring.

Today (Thursday, May 21) began an escalation to six round trips (still five less than the standard number of trips this time of year) and so far, the ferry capacity seems to have matched the lineup of traffic at Northport.  Nearly all passengers boarded with vehicles, still---although there were a few "walk-on" passengers.  We think this trend with few walk-on passengers will continue through the holiday weekend, given the continuation coronavirus concerns and fewer travelers in general.

Tonite the first evening trip of the season will begin, a "nite trip" leaving the Island at 7:00 pm, and leaving Northport at 7:45 pm.   As with most holiday weekends during warm weather months, there may be additional trips to accommodate traffic lined up at Northport, should that be the case.



At the Island's north ramp, Rich Ellefson, Brien Jordan, Jon Mann and Jed Ellefson floated and smoothed cement pour.  This will take several days to set up.  Even then, heavy loads will cross the ramp at the end of the pier, giving the new incline time to set and harden.  

This just about completes a major ramp project begun in early January.   Pipe pilings were driven to bedrock (about 30 feet) to establish a solid base for the ramp's foundation.   Steel sheeting was added, and trimmed, to protect the new foundation and shore up the sagging surfaces surrounding the ramp.    In the process, the entire ramp, which was never "square" with the Standard Oil pier, is now more in line.   Longer pipes, from which hang new tires along the south face of that pier, will help in landings, especially during strong southerly winds.

This slip location may be used more than in recent years, given the improvements made to the ramp, and the opportunity it gives the operator to avoid the stream of current and side-winds that can sweep down the channel and challenge docking maneuvers at the pier's outermost end.   It will also provide a secure mooring spot for the new and longer ferry Madonna, when it arrives in mid-June.

   -  Dick Purinton

MADONNA CONSTRUCTION - 32.0

Windows have been installed in the wheel house, and here 
a worker installs the ship's bell, not merely a shiny, brass
doo-dad, but an essential piece of equipment, to be 
rung when anchored in fog to alert other 
vessels, or when aground.
(all photos by Rich Ellefson)

Work continues on the Madonna in many different areas.
Equipment has been mounted on the pilot
house roof: an A/C unit;  Kahlenberg air horns;
Simrad radar; and  a searchlight are seen in the above photo. 

Detroit Harbor, Washington Island

We're in the ninth month of construction, and details that will enable this ferry vessel to be ready for sea trials, for the U. S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection, and acceptance by Washington Island Ferry Line, continue to be addressed by the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding work force.

One item was accomplished early Saturday morning, at a time when few workers would be in the yard.  On board Madonna, naval architect Mark Pudlo and several workers affirmed the placement of known weights on the main deck, set a prescribed distance from vessel centerline.  The degree of heel was then noted by plum bob, and also the waterline changes on the hull's exterior.  Then the same known weights (a total of over 28,000 pounds) were moved further outboard a prescribed distance from centerline, and additional readings were taken.

Calculations using those figures give the naval architect the vessel's heeling moment, which will denote either the "tenderness" or the "stiffness." the vessel's tendency to remain sufficiently stable under load and resist heeling, and the inherent tendency to return to a level, static condition.  (This, in layman's terms!).

Known weights like the one above
 were placed in a line, at exact distances from
vessel centerline, to give heeling measurement.

Each of our other ferries have had excellent stability, by design and then through experience, which in turn enable us to carry two fully-loaded semis at 90,000 lbs. each.  This will also be reflected in the vessel's Certificate of Inspection which limits the deck loads and their arrangement on board.  (Today's stability rules hearken back to the Eastland disaster in 1915 in the Chicago River, where insufficient stability caused the vessel to roll over when numbers of passengers moved in concert to one side to view a passing vessel.)

The Arni J. Richter has, we think, a preponderance to roll a bit more in a sea, due to rounded bilge vs. a very hard chine, unlike our other ferries, and yet this ferry has proven to be a very stable vessel overall, and verified in actual practice through transporting heavy deck loads.

Plum bob with strip of masking tape measures
number of inches of movement,
upon shifting known weight
outboard a known distance from centerline.

 In the engine room, wires have been fed into control panels, and this has given visual order to the seeming chaos below.  

Wiring the AC panel.

Certain fire safety standards have to be met.  One is to have a method to control a fire in the engine room space, the place onboard a vessel where there are statistically more opportunities for fires to break out.

 A fire suppression system using CO2 was the method selected, and here a row of 100# bottles are arranged in a manner so as to be piped into the engine room and dispersed in a uniform manner.(An alarm will sound before release, to alert any persons within that space to get topside).

  This installation is made through a subcontracted specialist, with yard personnel assisting in fitting and welding.  The system will be tested in accordance with Coast Guard standards, and regular testing will be conducted throughout the life of the vessel.

Carpenters insulate and panel the passenger
cabin (above) and pilot house.

On the exterior uppermost deck (sun deck) passenger benches are being installed.  On the foredeck, 200-feet of 3-strand nylon anchor rode is ready to be fed to a reel below decks, near the bow where the ship's anchor is mounted.

One photo here shows the piping to the fuel tank, where water will be slowly fed by garden hose and levels are accurately measured in the tank with a calibrated stick.  (This, after stability measurements have been made.)  Then the water will be removed, the fuel tank wiped clean, and a fill of fresh diesel (at approx. 95 cents/gal. under current pricing) will be added.

These are some of the continuing activities on the new Washington Island Ferry Madonna, at the Bay Shipbuilding facility.  -  Dick Purinton