The M/V Powell River Queen is one of three Powell River Class ferries built to operate on the new minor routes acquired by BC Ferries in the early 1960’s. The Bowen Queen, Mayne Queen and the Powell River Queen were built for approximately 1 million dollars each in 1965.
Powell River Queen approaching Quathiaski Cove
In 1973, the Powell River Queen underwent modifications to remove two passenger lounges (port and starboard, below the main passenger lounge) to increase over height capacity. The main passenger lounge was extended fore and aft to increase capacity.
- Built: 1965, Victoria Machinery Depot Co. Victoria BC
- Launched: November 15, 1965
- Car Capacity: 50
- Overall Length: 55.69m
- Gross Tons: 1,124.61
- Horsepower: 1,650
- Maximum Speed: 13 knots
In 1979, the Powell River Class ferries were refitted at a cost of 3 million. The ships were stretched by 30 metres to increase car capacity to 70, and fitted with new engines. The Powell River Queen had 4 right angle drives installed, greatly increasing her manoeuvrability and suitability for routes that have strong currents and tight tolerances for navigation.
- Overall Length: 84.96 m
- Breadth: 18.7 m
- Gross Tons: 1,475.68
- Dead Weight: 515 tons
- Draught: 3.3 m
- Maximum Displacement: 1637 tonnes
- Car Capacity: 70
- Passenger & Crew Capacity: 400
- 4 Caterpillar diesel engines, 900 BHP each,
- 4 azimuth turning right angle drive propellers
- Maximum Speed: 14.5 knots
[fbalbum url=”https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.287159628074422.1073742091.123247217798998&type=3″ size=”187″]