Taking the Guemes Ferry out of service for annual maintenance is a challenge for everyone. In 2020, we were able to provide reliable service throughout the year, completing 99% of our scheduled runs. Due to the changing nature of the pandemic, we didn't feel comfortable taking the car ferry out of service for an extended period of time. However, the vessel does require annual maintenance to ensure its reliability - which is why we have a haul-out planned for late Spring 2021.

How we make our decisions

We've primarily scheduled the haul out in early spring or early fall - to avoid the busy summer travel season, but also limit the potential for weather events that could delay or cancel passenger-only service. Recently, we've heard from people who think that scheduling a haul-out during the summer would be a better option. From a maintenance perspective, the summer weather is better for maintenance work. However, the downside of scheduling in the summer is lost vehicle revenue to the system. 

What we can do to ensure predictablity

We think that providing a predictable haul-out schedule each year could help people plan ahead. The questions in this survey are designed to identify what time of year you think would be best for future ferry haul-outs. Your feedback will help us determine if it's practical to plan for a haul-out at the same time every year. 

Question title

Where do you live? (Select one.)

Outside Skagit County
59%
Guemes Island (full-time)
20%
Guemes Island (part-time/seasonal)
14%
Anacortes
4%
Skagit County (not Guemes or Anacortes)
4%
Closed to responses | 385 Responses

Question title

How do you primarily use the ferry? (Select one.)

Most of the time I am in a vehicle.
82%
I don't ride the ferry very often.
9%
Most of the time I walk on.
7%
Most of the time I ride my bicycle.
2%
Closed to responses | 381 Responses

Question title

During a typical week, how many round-trips do you take on the ferry?

4 trips or less
92%
5-10 trips
7%
11-15 trips
1%
More than 15 trips
1%
Closed to responses | 371 Responses

Question title

What is the top factor the county should consider when planning future haul-outs?

Listed below are some of the common factors the county considers when planning the haul-out. Please pick the factor you think is most important.

Needs of Guemes Island businesses - Consider the potential amount of lost revenue or inconvenience to local businesses
61%
Weather - Consider how weather would affect the reliability of passenger-only service as well as maintenance work on the ferry
17%
Safety - Consider the safety of riders on the passenger-only vessel
12%
Revenue impacts to the system - Consider the potential amount of lost vehicle revenue between peak and non-peak seasons
10%
Closed to responses | 355 Responses

Question title

Based on the factors listed in the previous question, what month do you prefer for the ferry haul-out? Please select one.

Due to the increased potential for bad weather, winter (November - February) is not an option.

October
50%
March
29%
May
5%
September
5%
April
4%
July
3%
June
2%
August
1%
Closed to responses | 360 Responses

Question title

What other factors, if any, should the county consider when planning future haul-outs?

Closed for Comments