Carlisle II back and ready to get to work

The Carlisle II is coming back to town in all her Fourth of July glory.

The completion of a five-month overhaul has the functional foot ferry returning to Port Orchard today at 5 p.m. decked out in red, white and blue.

The historic boat was built in Bellingham in 1917 and is best known for its run as a Mosquito Fleet vessel, though the ferry has spent most of its years serving the transportation needs of Kitsap County.

After today’s welcoming celebration, the Carlisle II will commence its work as a foot ferry, operating weekday mornings and evenings as well as providing free weekend runs starting Sunday, July 4.

According to a news release from John Clauson, service development director for Kitsap Transit, the county purchased the ferry in January from Horluck Transportation Co. with the intent of restoring it and returning it to Sinclair inlet service.

The renovation, done by the Port Townsend Ship Wright Cooperative, was extensive. The boat was modernized, but steps were taken to preserve its historic beauty. A new coat of paint was just the beginning.

Renovations were done on the hull and new clean-burning engines, a new transmission, a new propeller and a new electrical system were installed. Passengers of the Carlisle II will be treated to new deck features and the ferry’s safety and navigational equipment was updated. On-board cameras were placed on the ferry to improve security.

The public is invite to tour the renovated ferry today at the Port of Bremerton’s new activity float at the guest moorage in downtown Port Orchard.

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