Guemes Ferry Haul-Out May 14 - June 12

Guemes Island Ferry haul-out will be May 14 through June 12, 2021

The next scheduled haul-out of the Guemes Island Ferry will be May 14 through June 12, 2021. During this time, passenger-only service will be provided by Arrow Launch Service, and shuttle service on Guemes Island will be provided by Skagit Transit. Be advised the car ferry will be out of service over Memorial Day weekend, so please plan accordingly. More details will be released soon.

The low bid of $742,713 was submitted by Nichol’s Brothers Boat Builders, in Freeland, WA. For more information about the project and to view bid results, please visit Skagit County Request for Bids. The schedule, proposed by Nichol’s Brothers Boat Builders, was chosen as the best time for the haul-out even though it includes a holiday weekend. Better weather in May and June means passengers won’t be stuck inside waiting for the ferry and on the passenger boat. Passenger safety and COVID-19 were the most important factors in scheduling. We also want to get the car ferry out of service and back on the route well in advance of the July 4 holiday weekend.

Due to COVID-19, Skagit County requested a 90-day extension for the dry dock credit inspection normally due March 31, 2021. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has granted that extension, subject to an internal structural examination that will take place on Monday, March 22, from 11 am to 1 pm at Dakota Creek Shipyard. On Monday, March 22, after the 9:45 am run, the car ferry will transition to the shipyard for the required inspection. Passenger-only service will be provided on the 10:15 am. 10:45 am, 11:15 am, and 1 pm sailings. If everything goes smoothly, the car ferry can return to service at 1:30 pm.

The last haul-out of the ferry was completed March 22, 2019. In 2020, the ferry system completed 99% of its scheduled runs. It is time for us to take Guemes out of service and conduct important maintenance activities so that we can continue to provide reliable service.