State Shows Off Mv Tacoma, Newer Class Of Faster Ferries

The MV Tacoma, reportedly the world's largest and fastest double-end passenger-and-vehicle ferry, doesn't enter service on the Seattle-Bainbridge Island run until at least Nov. 17, after training trials.

But the first of Washington State Ferries' new Jumbo Mark II boats opened its doors and decks yesterday to 700 visitors at Seattle's Pier 52.

"Oh, it's just beautiful, and looks like it's passenger-friendly," said Candace Barbieri of Seattle.

"The size is amazing," said Jed Feltis, also of Seattle.

At 460 feet, the Tacoma is 20 feet longer than the next-largest Washington ferries, the Spokane and Walla Walla. It has room for 218 cars, 12 more than its predecessors. And it can carry 2,500 passengers - 500 more than the next-largest boats.

It also can carry passengers in greater comfort, with armchairs in conversational-seating groups on the sun deck, laptop-computer outlets in the lounges, and express-refreshment areas in addition to cafeteria counters.

The $80 million ferry also boasts elevators, wider stairways and upgraded restrooms.

"What struck me most when we started training trials was the quietness," said Chief Mate Ken Brazeau, a fourth-generation Washington State Ferries employee who led a tour of the crew's quarters above the passenger deck. "When you spend eight hours in a really noisy and vibrating environment, it's tiring. They've got soundproofing everywhere on this boat."

He said these and other improvements, such as the four more-powerful engines that let the boat continue at its service speed of 18 knots even if an engine fails, make the boat 1,000 tons heavier than the next-biggest boats in the 26-ferry fleet.

"These new boats just run smoother and better. They're more stable," he said. "I think the taxpayers are getting something they'll enjoy and have around for a long while."

The other new boats, the Wenatchee and the Puyallup, are due by 1999 from Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle.