Balboa Ferry

[stephenkatsea]

Reports indicate the Balboa Ferry operation has been saved. The owners were not able to afford the changes dictated by the CA Emissions Law. A donor has stepped up to cover the estimated $7.9 mil cost for all of vessels. Believe the Ferry remains owned by the same family who started the operation many years ago.

 

[MPHSystems]

Saltwater and lithium ion batteries, this is going to be good

 

[RiverDave]

A donor stepped up for almost 8 mill? I’d think the homeowners would all get together and chip in on that.

But of irony we are here right now at Newport dunes

 

[D19]

That’s great news.

 

[TPC]

I remember when I was a kid we traveled on the ferry to the Island.
At the dock picnic tables was Freddie Blassie playing chess against his rival in the ring, the Manoukian.

Us little kids thought maybe they eventually were going to kill each other while they casually sipped beer and enjoyed their chess game in the meantime.
They both lived a few steps away nearby in the apartments owned by wrestling/roller derby announcer Dick Lane.

 

[lbhsbz]

Those aren’t exactly huge ferry boats….I’m struggling to see how anywhere near 8 million is required for what effectively looks like a couple 50ft pontoon boats with flat decks that need to go 4mph for 900 ft at a time.

Seems like the running gear from a couple of duffy boats would be sufficient

 

[Riverbottom]

The stupid part of this is the fuel consumption on the little new diesels in the ferries is negligible. One ferry burns twenty-four gallons of fuel in an eight-hour shift.

I am a member of the Balboa Island Improvement Association. I believe the $7.9 million is from a state grant. So, the money is coming from our tax dollars. The ferry is actually an extension of Pacific Coast Hwy. so the Beek family gets help from Cal Trans. Money could be coming from gas taxes.

*Edit: $8.3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board.

 

[MPHSystems]

Those aren’t exactly huge ferry boats….I’m struggling to see how anywhere near 8 million is required for what effectively looks like a couple 50ft pontoon boats with flat decks that need to go 4mph for 900 ft at a time.

Seems like the running gear from a couple of duffy boats would be sufficient

Still. To drive one of those things it requires a 100 ton captain’s license. That’s no joke. Including celestial navigation.


I grew up in high school on balboa island. If I didn’t have the 10 cents to get across, when they cam to collect the money I’d jump overboard and swim LOL. I worked as a deckhand on a sport fishing boat on the peninsula. It paid like $3/hr +tips and all the tap beer you could drink. Best job on the planet for a high school kid, + to this day, I’ll mop a floor better than anyone you know.

 

[MPHSystems]

A donor stepped up for almost 8 mill? I’d think the homeowners would all get together and chip in on that.

But of irony we are here right now at Newport dunes

Everyone on that island is a an entitled USC alumni cheap ass fuck. I refuse to do work there. I doubt you could collect $100 to “save the ferry” yet a tear down bungalow in the center of the island 3,000 Sqft lot is what? $4m? Let the island sink into the bay.

 

[Riverbottom]

Still. To drive one of those things it requires a 100 ton captain’s license. That’s no joke. Including celestial navigation.


I grew up in high school on balboa island. If I didn’t have the 10 cents to get across, when they cam to collect the money I’d jump overboard and swim LOL. I worked as a deckhand on a sport fishing boat on the peninsula. It paid like $3/hr +tips and all the tap beer you could drink. Best job on the planet for a high school kid, + to this day, I’ll mop a floor better than anyone you know.

I am sure I am way older. What years did you live on the Island ?

 

[Willie B]

.., for those of you in Southern California or those if you on vacation the Balboa Island ferry is a real fun deal… I can feel it right now… have taken quite a few people for a ride on it… My
Newport beach girlfriend was going to rent us a house onBalboa Island. I think I would have taken the ferry every day traversing the Balboa Peninsula, as opposed to driving up to PCH.

 

[boatpi]

Dick Lane along with Joey Bishop, lived in that area. My parents used to see them years ago at the Newport Theatre.

 

[MPHSystems]

I am sure I am way older. What years did you live on the Island ?

 

[Deckin Around]

Everyone on that island is a an entitled USC alumni cheap ass fuck. I refuse to do work there. I doubt you could collect $100 to “save the ferry” yet a tear down bungalow in the center of the island 3,000 Sqft lot is what? $4m? Let the island sink into the bay.

no thanks, I’ve got some good construction clients there and I really enjoy the nonstop bikinis and sunshine.

 

[76 Hondo]

I remember when I was a kid we traveled on the ferry to the Island.
At the dock picnic tables was Freddie Blassie playing chess against his rival in the ring, the Manoukian.

Us little kids thought maybe they eventually were going to kill each other while they casually sipped beer and enjoyed their chess game in the meantime.
They both lived a few steps away nearby in the apartments owned by wrestling/roller derby announcer Dick Lane.

Remember when they had wrestling at the OC Fairgrounds? Saw Freddy Blassie fight Art BoomBoom Mahalic there was nothing fake that night Art left the ring a bloody mess, Freddy had bit him in the forehead!!!

 

[dread Pirate]

I was with my buddy when he got his slammed mini truck stuck on the ferry. Drug going on but straight got stuck coming off. He was panicking the cops were going to show up, I was laughing my ass off, ferry people were pissed, public was laughing or yelling. Oh man! Great memory!

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Reports indicate the Balboa Ferry operation has been saved. The owners were not able to afford the changes dictated by the CA Emissions Law. A donor has stepped up to cover the estimated $7.9 mil cost for all of vessels. Believe the Ferry remains owned by the same family who started the operation many years ago.

Looks like theres a knowledgeable poster on thread.... I'll just add to my knowledge the same family has owned it over 100 years cause I recall they celebrated their 100 anniversary not long ago. As for the comment regarding pilots needing 100 ton license I kinda doubt that. I knew one gal whose in my signature and she was earning her tonnage hours while driving her shifts. She later started working on the larger harbor tour boats.

 

[havasujeeper]

A donor stepped up for almost 8 mill? I’d think the homeowners would all get together and chip in on that.

But of irony we are here right now at Newport dunes

Newport Dunes is my favorite place, especially if you have your bicycles with you!

 

[MonkeyButt70]

A donor stepped up for almost 8 mill? I’d think the homeowners would all get together and chip in on that.

But of irony we are here right now at Newport dunes

Go visit the berry shack right at the entrance of the ferry, my friend owns it and she has the best Strawberries and other homemade good for sale. I was just at the dunes last week.

 

[MPHSystems]

no thanks, I’ve got some good construction clients there and I really enjoy the nonstop bikinis and sunshine.

Well then you would love Long Beach, same bikini density and the parking is only 1/2 as shitty.

 

[stephenkatsea]

FWIW - It's been said, with their present engines, the Balboa Ferries burn a total of 30 gals of diesel per day. Wonder what John Kerry burns as he flies around the world in his wife's private jet? OC and USC grads - Appears there is some truth to that. Newport Dunes RV Park - Very nice place. Steep daily rates. RD, check out Pearson’s Port fresh fish market. If your family likes seafood, the place is excellent. It's near the PCH bridge that crosses over the water which enters into the back bay. When on a Duffy cruise, we like to stop there and buy their large shrimp, and grill them back at the house. You can tie up on the backside of the market. There are Duffy rentals available on PCH. Great way to view the homes and boats on the Bay. We're fortunate, my cousin has a home and a Duffy on Linda Isle, not far from where you are.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Balboa Island Ferry gets $7.9 million grant to help meet new emissions rules

The ferry has been transporting passengers across Newport Harbor from Balboa Island to the Balboa Peninsula and back for more than a century.

www.ocregister.com

As previously mentioned, the 'donor' is CARB, CA Air Resources Board. The attached OC Register article seems to provide a good description of the Ferry situation. It's more than what it appears at first glance.

 

[lbhsbz]

Balboa Island is where the UCLA libtard Nordic / Hallett fucks are living.

 

[Willie B]

Newport Dunes is my favorite place, especially if you have your bicycles with you!

… my first memory of the Newport Dunes was when I was about 8 years old. My aunt brought me down from her home in Huntington Park… She drove me down in her Nash Metropolitan… I can’t remember to much of the details… But I think I just swam… Not sure.???

 

[Willie B]

… Don’t know how many remember the history of the Newport Peninsula… but an old friend Walter Gibson, lived on the peninsula for decades… He had a garage that opened up onto an alley off the sort of main street… Walter built some serious hot rods in that garage, and was also a pretty renowned artist… his garage was sort of a hang out for the guys,..And it was called Paradise Alley… Walter is the guy that built the 55 Buick Century two door sedan into a… Oh, what would you call it a California Highway Patrol…resto mod… I think it had it injected 401 nail head… It was a very, very cool street rod that is still seen at car shows today..: I believe???…
… unfortunately Walter passed away a few years ago… sad deal… A great guy…

 

[PlumLoco]

In 1980 I was invited by a friend to escort her to her prom. Her Dad let the four of us (her brother and his date went also, we were all friends) drive down to the Balboa Pavillion in his new Cadillac Seville. After about 90 minutes we went outside for air and someone noticed the grunion were running.
Diane and Cheri earned huge respect from us that night. They threw off their shoes, hiked up the dresses, and got after it with some red cups. We had a ton of fun that night, but the tux rental place was not happy at all. The dance was so boring, but on the beach we had one very memorable night just being kids.

 

[Deckin Around]

I had to look it up. At a project I worked on tied to the old post office at Main st. and Balboa, I watched the plumbers hit water after 36" of digging.

In 1908 and 1909, with permission of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Collins moved his small dredge to the eastern part of the Newport bay, a mud flat called “Snipe Island,” and begin cutting a channel along the north side of the bay across from the Pavilion, pilling the sand and silt up on the mud flat and thus Balboa Island was born.

At this same time an advertising campaign was prepared offering lots for $350.00 to $750.00. The high priced lots were located on the waterfront. However, despite the advertisements, Collins originally sold lots on the Island for as little as $25, with promises that all streets, sewers and street lights would be soon installed and a bridge and ferry service to follow. Construction was begun for the ferry landing. Streets were staked out and lots were mapped. Even a few narrow sidewalks were built.

 

[yz450mm]

We always enjoy taking the ferry a couple of times during our Newport Dunes spring and fall trips.

Giving the kids working the ferry an extra 10 or $20 tip always seems to brighten their day as well.

 

[rivrrts429]

My grandparents bought their Balboa Island home in the 1950’s for $18k

 

[DaveH]

am i the only one who finds it DISTURBING that carb has the resources to drop MILLIONS to snuff out a ferry where the diesel usage per day is mice nuts?

when stuff like this goes down i would want to know how much funding this nazi agency really has.

instead everyone is reminiscing about Balboa. crazy.

 

[rivermobster]

The stupid part of this is the fuel consumption on the little new diesels in the ferries is negligible. One ferry burns twenty-four gallons of fuel in an eight-hour shift.

I am a member of the Balboa Island Improvement Association. I believe the $7.9 million is from a state grant. So, the money is coming from our tax dollars. The ferry is actually an extension of Pacific Coast Hwy. so the Beek family gets help from Cal Trans. Money could be coming from gas taxes.

*Edit: $8.3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board.

Will wonders never cease.

 

[rivermobster]

am i the only one who finds it DISTURBING that carb has the resources to drop MILLIONS to snuff out a ferry where the diesel usage per day is mice nuts?

when stuff like this goes down i would want to know how much funding this nazi agency really has.

instead everyone is reminiscing about Balboa. crazy.

Well...

All those diesel tuner fine has to go Somewhere, right?

It's nice to see em go to something worthy.

 

[Cole Trickle]

So if my math is anywhere near correct at 8 million dollars the break even point for the electric conversion is about 75 years for 2 ferries that use24 gallons a day based on todays cost for diesel.

Of course this isn't counting the cost to charge or what diesel will cost in 30 years.

Seems like a smart business model...lol

 

[rivrrts429]

So if my math is anywhere near correct at 8 million dollars the break even point for the electric conversion is about 75 years for 2 ferries that use24 gallons a day based on todays cost for diesel.

Of course this isn't counting the cost to charge or what diesel will cost in 30 years.

Seems like a smart business model...lol

Thank a liberal next time you see one

 

[lbhsbz]

So if my math is anywhere near correct at 8 million dollars the break even point for the electric conversion is about 75 years for 2 ferries that use24 gallons a day based on todays cost for diesel.

Of course this isn't counting the cost to charge or what diesel will cost in 30 years.

Seems like a smart business model...lol

What gets me is the cost. There is No Fucking Way it costs that much to convert these. You take the diesel engine out and put an electric motor in it's place. I'm guessing about 40hp would do it, probably much less.

We're not powering a cruise ship here....it's a 4mph ferry that needs to 900 ft at a time...that's less than 3 minutes of run time per crossing. I have no idea how long it spends at each dock, but likely a lot more than 3 minutes....plug in each time you pull up to dock, and can get away with not much battery. Why does it cost more than 1/2 what a cheap tesla costs? This should be $30K per boat. Chargers and getting electrical to them can't be that much.

 

[Riverbottom]

What gets me is the cost. There is No Fucking Way it costs that much to convert these. You take the diesel engine out and put an electric motor in it's place. I'm guessing about 40hp would do it, probably much less.

We're not powering a cruise ship here....it's a 4mph ferry that needs to 900 ft at a time...that's less than 3 minutes of run time per crossing. I have no idea how long it spends at each dock, but likely a lot more than 3 minutes....plug in each time you pull up to dock, and can get away with not much battery. Why does it cost more than 1/2 what a cheap tesla costs? This should be $30K per boat. Chargers and getting electrical to them can't be that much.

I believe the plan is for new boats. Not a retro fit. One of my best friends that is semi-retired helps fill in shifts driving the ferry. I will be back in Balboa Island in a couple weeks and will ask. I was pretty lucky, I worked at the Union Gas Dock next to the ferry in high school. That gas dock sold more beer from 2:30 P.M. till 6:30 P.M. on weekdays than any liquor store in Newport. Many of my friends would come and fill up boats in the afternoon and charge cases of beer on dad's account or credit card.

 

[lbhsbz]

I believe the plan is for new boats. Not a retro fit. One of my best friends that is semi-retired helps fill in shifts driving the ferry. I will be back in Balboa Island in a couple weeks and will ask. I was pretty lucky, I worked at the Union Gas Dock next to the ferry in high school. That gas dock sold more beer from 2:30 P.M. till 6:30 P.M. on weekdays than any liquor store in Newport. Many of my friends would come and fill up boats in the afternoon and charge cases of beer on dad's account or credit card.

The article stated that the retro-fit was almost as much as new boats...which has to be complete bullshit. Someone is pocketing a whole lot of money here.

 

[Riverbottom]

The article stated that the retro-fit was almost as much as new boats...which has to be complete bullshit. Someone is pocketing a whole lot of money here.

The ferrys are 70 + years old. A retro fit would mean taking them out of service, one at a time. I have heard talk of new boats. I will update as I learn.

 

[Ol Man]

I have fond memories of Balboa Island. When I was going to Cal State Fullerton, I worked at a motel just to the right of the bridge to the island, Ken Niles Villa Marina. Another guy and I shared the two bedroom apartment above the office. I worked there from 1963 to 1966. It was a pretty awesome job actually. I worked the desk and general repairs and whatever was asked of me. I frequently worked the night shift and back then, Newport was pretty dead in the winter. This allowed me to do a lot of studying. The motel also had the slips on the bay. I got to meet a lot of famous people, some really cool and some not so much. A friend from college had a rental house just a few blocks from the ferry on the water. It was awesome times for sure. I love going back there every so often to reminisce.

 

[Joker]

If anyone has observed the deteriorating sea walls on the island, the cost of this stupid 5 minute boat ride is peanuts.

 

[TPC]

The stupid part of this is the fuel consumption on the little new diesels in the ferries is negligible. One ferry burns twenty-four gallons of fuel in an eight-hour shift.

I am a member of the Balboa Island Improvement Association. I believe the $7.9 million is from a state grant. So, the money is coming from our tax dollars. The ferry is actually an extension of Pacific Coast Hwy. so the Beek family gets help from Cal Trans. Money could be coming from gas taxes.

*Edit: $8.3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board.

If you don't belong already I'd be happy to sponsor you in the Elks on Lido Is. Nice facilities, cheap membership.

 

[Riverbottom]

If you don't belong already I'd be happy to sponsor you in the Elks on Lido Is. Nice facilities, cheap membership.

Thanks, but I have lived in Parker for the last thirty four years. Still have probably the smallest, old vacation house on Balboa Island. Nice place to escape in the summer.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Bob Bisbee’s Union Fuel dock near the island Ferry landing. Was a fixture in the bay for many years.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

In 1980 I was invited by a friend to escort her to her prom. Her Dad let the four of us (her brother and his date went also, we were all friends) drive down to the Balboa Pavillion in his new Cadillac Seville. After about 90 minutes we went outside for air and someone noticed the grunion were running.
Diane and Cheri earned huge respect from us that night. They threw off their shoes, hiked up the dresses, and got after it with some red cups. We had a ton of fun that night, but the tux rental place was not happy at all. The dance was so boring, but on the beach we had one very memorable night just being kids.

Thats a great story right there.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

If anyone has observed the deteriorating sea walls on the island, the cost of this stupid 5 minute boat ride is peanuts.

Yup.... I've been reading about how they're gonna have to restore all these man made island walls for a bit now.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

If you don't belong already I'd be happy to sponsor you in the Elks on Lido Is. Nice facilities, cheap membership.

And a literal shit show.... I went through their initiation few years back... lasted maybe a year cause strong drinks and live bands and a "Room of Death" for us smokers. But damn those worn out retreaded bitches in there are nuts. I gave membership up and took my liver to more sane watering holes. It is however the last non douche place in area left so there is that.

 

[Riverbottom]

Bob Bisbee’s Union Fuel dock near the island Ferry landing. Was a fixture in the bay for many years.

Bob was an employee of John Broughten at the 76 fuel dock ( east of the ferry ) for years. Bob was my boss until he purchased the Shell dock west of the ferry. Bob was a great guy and worked hard to get his own fuel dock. Bob really liked having a skinny 110lb. high school kid at the dock. Most of the difficult oil changes were scheduled in the afternoons. He knew I could fit between engines to change filters, a lot better than he could. I was young and dumb, and thought it was fun.