<p>The freight ferry Katama remained out of service Wednesday afternoon due to a failed generator. The SSA said technicians were working on the problem.</p>
The freight ferry Katama went out of service late Tuesday and stayed out through much of Wednesday due to a failed generator.
Steamship Authority general manager Bob Davis said Wednesday morning that he hoped to have the ferry back in service by noon, but by mid-afternoon trips on the frieght boat were still being cancelled.
“We had a generator issue last night — originally we thought it was an issue with the voltage regulator, but it turns out that’s not the case and we’re going to have to replace it,” Mr. Davis told the Gazette by phone early Wednesday.
He said a technician was due to arrive shortly.
“We have a spare; it’s just a matter of getting into the space,” Mr. Davis said, speaking about the generator.
The Katama currently runs seven trips a day on the Vineyard-Woods Hole route.
Comments
Something just doesn't seem
Steve OBSomething just doesn't seem right in the maintenance department at SSA. Just about every vessel has been plagued in the past 60 days. This is our "Lifeline"?
Steve, Has your car ever
Mack EdgartownSteve, Has your car ever broken down? I am fed up with the SSA bashing. Safety is what’s important here and the SSA puts that in front of holding to a time schedule. People will never be happy. The SSA is doing a great job. Perhaps it’s time for you to locate to Hyannis.
Mack, I did have a car break
Steve OBMack, I did have a car break down. 17 years ago. If basically every vessel has been pulled out of service recently I'm curious about how you can claim 'the SSA is doing a great job." Many of these vessels had planned maintenance over the winter, so in theory all should be set to go this Spring. Maybe if one, or even two, broke down I could understand. Doing great? No, I don't think so. And perhaps I like living here, not in Hyannis.
Of course safety is highly
Rebecca Mae EdgartownOf course safety is highly important. But reliability and credibility is, too. The boats haven't been reliable lately, and SSA management is losing its credibility.
Everyone knows things break,
Chris NYEveryone knows things break, that is ok, we understand. The issue for me is that the SSA did not take care of those traveling during this period of flux. If you had a reservation and your boat was cancelled, you were stuck even if the next boat came in 10 minutes later. Makes no sense. I get you cannot get everyone on board at once, but at least filter in the cars as much as possible. Some were stuck for 6-7 hours, missing appointments, missing time with family, etc. Perhaps if the SSA would have discounted their ticket or offered free passenger tickets to the stuck passengers (like airlines) that would have been better. Instead I think the real failure here is the communication and concern for their customer base. They are a monopoly and monopolies are rarely ever a good thing. Things happen, as I stated we all understand, but treat your customers as they should be treated, not as cattle for you to milk as you please! Something goes wrong, do something to make it right.
Mack and Steve....slow down
Alan EdgartownMack and Steve....slow down both of you. Start acting like Vinyarders and cut the acrimony. SSA is having an inordinate number of breakdowns and yes they are trying hard but need to improve their reliability....even by their own admission.
To Alan, Steve and everyone,
Mack EdgartownTo Alan, Steve and everyone, I have lived on this island for over 25 years and believe strongly that the SSA is reliable and relatively inexpensive. They had a hiccup and some mechanical issues recently and everyone is so quick to criticize. I have faith that the SSA will resolve all these issue and we will continue as usual. By the way, comparing a mechanical issue on a car to a sea vessel is not the same . I side with the SSA and care more about safety ! On a personal note: when the boat was disabled a few months ago they opened the consession stand - that’s kind and courteous service - that’s my SSA!
I agree. The SSA does a
Michelle EdgartownI agree. The SSA does a fantastic job. The residents should applaud their record and not beat them up . Take a reality pill.
I moved here 41 years ago,
Pete Oak BluffsI moved here 41 years ago, Mack. I used to know most of the crews, captains, and even a fair number of managers at the SSA. Over the years that friendliness has changed. I'm still me, but the SSA has changed, and not for the better. I would even say they're aloof and don't really want to engage with us passengers. Free concessions for being trapped at sea into the wee hours of the night? Sorry, I can't be bought that easily. Safe, reliable service, thank you, is what I'd like. SSA management has burned through a lot of goodwill this year. Their inability to communicate/give updates in any timely fashion (meaningful website/facebook/twitter posts that are current) is a travesty. From a technology perspective the SSA feels stuck in the 70's; unfortunately from a customer-centric perspective the SSA has become like a cable company.
Alan,
Joy West TisburyAlan,
I think the SSA is doing a great job and have been as long as I can remember. I agree with Mack,
Everything breaks down for heavens sake.
God Bless
Joy
Im pretty satisfied with the
Ken Edg.Im pretty satisfied with the explanations. The Katama is a workhorse, it has very little downtime. The new ferry cut its engine size to meet EPA requirements, so a fixed propeller isnt used anymore. A highly complicated hydraulic variable pitched prop is used and really hasnt been tested. Write it up to less emissions, that usually means more money.
The SSA moved their
Dis Custed VHThe SSA moved their maintenance department away from Woods Hole Years ago. Now even the most basic repairs are delayed or denied. Simple geography and money issues.
I own a boat and it breaks
Chappy Resident EdgartownI own a boat and it breaks down: period
The SSA needs to communicate better - and better I imagine they will. Safety is paramount!
The SSA is doing a good job..
Bruce EdgartownThe SSA is doing a good job.... they need more resources to bring them into 2018.... We nickel and dime them all the time and we expect more and more.... give them the tools they need,
To Mack, I have one to say
James Vineyard HavenTo Mack, I have one to say regarding your defense of the SSA, "Brownie, you're doing a heckuva job".
I agree everything breaks
Gabrielle West TisburyI agree everything breaks down sometimes but usually not everything breaks down at the same time. Where's the Governor? Seems like it's the only boat that hasn't broken down lately..
Add new comment