The 50 car Quinitsa was originally built for the Britsh Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Highways. Quinitsa began service in 1977 on the Nanaimo Harbour to Gabriola Island ferry route, replacing the 30 car Kahloke. The Quinitsa soon became too small and in June 1982, she was replaced by the 70 car MV Quinsam. For the rest of 1982 and for most of 1983, she was loaned to BC Ferries, operating on a variety of routes, including Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island, Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour.
Upon returning to the Ministry of Transportation and Highways she was placed on the Buckley Bay to Denman Island route. She was transferred to the BC Ferries in October 1985 when the corporation assumed control of 13 vessels from the Ministry of Transportation and Highways Marine Branch saltwater ferry fleet.
In 2007, Quinitsa received a Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) at the Deas Pacific Marine site in Richmond BC. She received new engines and generators, as well as a rebuilt bridge structure and a refurbished passenger cabin. Work also included safety equipment recertification, installation of new RADAR and a fire pump upgrade. The MLU is expected to extend the service life of the vessel approximately 20 years.
Quinitsa is scheduled to be replaced by a cable ferry in 2014, freeing her to be used on other routes.
- Year Built: 1977 Vancouver Shipyards, Vancouver, BC
- Vehicle Capacity: 50
- Passenger Capacity: 394 (+ 6 crew)
- Length: 74.52 m
- Breadth: 19.51 m
- Ship Depth: 3.29 m
- Gross Tonnage: 1,107
- Net Tonnage: 1061.05
- Service Speed: 12 knots
- Horsepower: 1,440
- Propulsion four diesel engines, twin screws
- Generators: two 80 kWe generators sets powered by John Deere 6068TFM76 Tier II