Post by ferryfast admin on Mar 26, 2012 13:57:11 GMT -5
Vallejo Baylink ferry Intintoli back to work after makover
By Irma Widjojo/Times-Herald staff writer
www.timesheraldonline.com/news/ci_20256545/vallejo-baylink-ferry-intintoli-back-work-after-makover
Posted: 03/26/2012 01:00:24 AM PDT
(for photo, see above link)
Vallejo ferry Captain Chuck Elles talks about the new improvements to the technology of the refurbished Intintoli. The catamaran can now move at 40 knots (about 43 mph), an improvement over the 32 knots it could reach before its recent makeover. (Chris Riley/Times-Herald) (Chris Riley)
After an $8.6 million facelift, the Vallejo ferry Intintoli resumed service from the Vallejo waterfront Sunday, ending a 13-month hiatus.
The ferry's multi-million dollar facelift of both the exterior and interior was covered by several grants, Baylink Ferry General Manager Martin Robbins said.
At 10 a.m. Sunday, the Intintoli, named after former mayor Anthony Intintoli, made its first commute from Vallejo's waterfront to San Francisco's Pier 41.
"This new vessel is heavier, so it makes for a smoother ride," said boat Captain Chuck Elles. It is also faster, Elles added. Now, the vessel can travel up to 40 knots, which is equivalent to about 46 mph, compared to about 32 knots before the refurbishment, he said.
The upgrades include new seats, carpeting, navigation equipment, engine, piping, flat screen TVs, and many more.
"It's pretty dramatic," Robbins said. "It was a tired vessel when it went up there, now it looks like a brand new one."
The Intintoli left Vallejo in January, 2011, for Washington, where the overhaul was done. Another Vallejo ferry, the Mare Island, is also being refurbished by the same company and is scheduled to return in about seven months, Elles said.
Elles has been navigating the Vallejo ferries since 1992. The Mare Island and Intintoli were purchased and had their maiden voyages about five years later.
"The best part is my view," Elles said, as he navigated the boat toward San Francisco, approaching the city's silhouette
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of the cluster of high-rises and the profile of the Bay Bridge.
"My favorite part of the day is to watch the sunset."
The route from Vallejo to San Francisco takes from 50 minutes to an hour, passing many landmarks, including Alcatraz, the San Rafael Bridge and Angel Island, with breathtaking views of Mount Tamalpais and the Golden Gate Bridge. Elles said on lucky days, he could catch a sight of whales and porpoises along the route.
Sacramento residents Yvonne Lopez and Alfred Enlow were among about two dozen weekend passengers who rode the 1 p.m. Intintoli from Vallejo. It was Lopez's first time on one of the Vallejo boats.
"I thought it was very smooth, and nice," she said of Sunday's trip on the Intintoli. "I will definitely take it again to go to the city. I don't like to drive, and with the gas prices going up, this is a good alternative."
The one way fare is $13; $24 for a round trip for ages 13 to 64. Children ages 5 and under ride free, while tickets are $6.50 for one way and $13 for a round trip for seniors, children ages 6 to 12, and the disabled. A current promotion offers a round trip ticket for $10 for groups of three or more.
When Lopez and Enlow found out that the boat has undergone a complete overhaul, Enlow said, "I thought it looked very different. It even has a new car smell."
The bicycle-friendly boat seats 320 passengers, and can last 12 to 15 more years before it reaches its shelf life, Robbins said.
"Vallejo should be proud," Elles said. "This is a state-of-the-art machinery, and with the new parking lot and palm trees, the whole waterfront looks better."
For more information about the schedule, and other services, visit www.BayLinkFerry.com or call (877)64-FERRY.
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Baylink Ferry
www.baylinkferry.com/