Kalakala being towed to 'friendlier' waters of Lake Union today

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Kalakala being towed to 'friendlier' waters of Lake Union today

Wednesday, March 17, 1999

By MIKE BARBER
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

After surviving 1,700 miles of normally angry North Pacific waters to return to Seattle last year, the fragile, historic ferry Kalakala tests its seaworthiness again today when it is towed to Lake Union.

A tug from Island Tug and Barge will rig up the boat at Pier 66 on Elliott Bay at about 9 a.m. and tow it around Magnolia Bluff for an hourlong transition to fresh water through the Ballard Locks by about noon.

The boat's new home has been leased from Professional Marine Co. on the northwest corner of Lake Union off 2555 N. Northlake Way. It will be next to another popular old ferry -- but one in better shape -- the Skansonia.

"Friendly, inland fresh waters. What a treat for the Kalakala," Peter Bevis, Kalakala Foundation director, mused last night. "I've been anxious to get the boat to a working boatyard and fresh water," ending the damaging electrolysis action of salt water, he said.

Bevis said the next goal is to raise about $350,000 to have the boat drydocked within three or four months. There, the hull can be inspected and sandblasted, repaired and painted.

"The hull is an unknown; no one has seen it in 30 years," Bevis said.

Once the boat is up in the air, everyone from Coast Guard inspectors to marine architects and insurers will be able to take a look.

"We'll know more once we get the hull sandblasted and take a look at the rivets. . . . To actually lay eyes on it and see the whole bottom of the boat will enhance confidence in the project," Bevis said.

Bevis, who spearheaded efforts to rescue the venerable boat from a tomb on an Alaskan mudflat, said Kalakala Foundation volunteers, fans and donors will be able to visit the boat at "Kalakala get-togethers" every Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m.

"It will be a casual, loose fund-raiser reception on the Skansonia, where everyone can get together and enjoy our clubhouse, the Kalakala," he said.

Although the new berth is leased, Bevis said the agreement was only hours old last night, and he wasn't sure yet how much the berth would cost.