Folks in Seattle looking for a different way to commute might want to consider taking the ferry. Or if they're really creative, or rich, they can just buy one.
The M/V Hiyu, the oldest and smallest ferry in Washington State's fleet, has been retired and is now up for sale.
The 162-foot ferry was built in 1967 and has a capacity of 34 cars and 200 passengers. She served multiple routes over the years, most notably as an inter-island boat between San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Shaw Island and Lopez Island. It's acted mostly as a back-up ferry for the past decade, covering for other ferry boats when they break down.
Last year, it covered for the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route due to vessel reorganization. WSF finally decided, however, that it has enough new and more modern ships to take it's space.
Hiyu is certainly a boat of her time. She has no elevator, no galley and no Wi-Fi. WSF says it has some interested parties but if no buyers are ultimately found it will be sold for scrap.
Surely, someone can figure out how to beach it, renovate it, and turn it into micro-apartments that rent for $1,500/month, no?
· Ferry for sale: charmer with room for 199 [ST]
· MV Hiyu [Wiki]