The family who has called the car ferry home for 30 years put the boat up for sale reluctantly.
The Redmons live in the 70 foot Annabelle, which is docked below the Murray Morgan Bridge.
The Redmon family renovated the old ferry into a home in 1994. It was a home for the family when it sat along the Foss Waterway. The Redmon's regulars take the 70 foot ship out for excursions.
The ferry used to run between The Dalles, Oregon, and Herron Island, on the Columbia River.
The Redmons built a little house on the ferry after buying it in 1994.
Dennis Redmon gave a tour of the ferry last week. It was something that we thought had potential, but not something that other people had done much.
The deck that used to carry Packards and Ford woodies now has comfortable furniture and an upright piano.
In 2003 the deck and house were replaced with a three deck home that has stunning views of downtown Tacoma, the Narrows Bridge, and the San Juan islands.
The boat ferry is not a dock queen. It is fully operational even though it no longer carries vehicles. For weeks at a time, the Redmons take it out on the waters of Puget Sound for a day trip to Titlow Beach, OLYMPIA and BROWNS POINT.
Annabelle is not shiny or sleek. Redmon said that most people know that it is a ferry. Some people ask if it is still in use.
He said it was very accessible. It is not like you have a large fiberglass yacht, you have a lot of money, and you don't want to be bothered.
The Annabelle is a ferry that was turned into a home for Dennis and Katherine Redmon.
The couple has put the ship up for sale. The price was asked.
He said that she is a member of the family for him and his wife and daughter. There are some feelings on that side.
History.
The open deck at The Dalles supported a mechanical room and wheel house. Cars and passengers wereferried on the Columbia River.
The open deck at The Dalles supported a mechanical room and wheel house. Cars and passengers wereferried on the Columbia River. New propeller shafts have been put into construction and renovations.
The blueprints for the ferry are in Redmon's possession.
In 1955, a bridge was built that left Annabelle without a job. Not for a while.
Herron Island had a ferry that ran from 1960 to 1989.
After retiring, Annabelle spent a few years in Shelton.
The Redmons first saw the Annabelle in 1993 while cruising on their Chris-Craft. He saw an ad for it in a yachting magazine.
He checked out the boat with a friend.
It took us six months to get my wife on board. They paid over $30,000.
New propeller shafts have been put into construction and renovations.
They told Petrich Marine that they would only be there for six months.
Redmon said that the woman laughed when she told the story that they were the longest tenant.
Home on the water.
A visitor wouldn't know they're on a boat until they see the portholes and staircases. Occasionally, there is rocking.
Dennis Redmon can see the sliding doors in the master bedroom.
The galley is large. There is a washer and dryer next to a refrigerator and freezer.
The kitchen, living room, dining room, library, guest room, full bathroom, pantry and workshop are on the main level of the car deck. There is still room outside for a vehicle to be loaded.
The second deck has two bedrooms and a bathroom.
The bridge is the top deck.
Redmon said that he spends a lot of time on the shore. It is my office area.
The shortest fish-to-kitchen distance on Puget Sound is probably the lounge areas and hot tub.
The ship is able to fit under the bridge. The biggest of the Locks can be used to reach Lake Washington.
Sierra was two when the Redmons bought the Annabelle.
Redmon noticed she was mopey when he drove her to school.
I asked if something was bothering you. She said that her classmates thought she was a liar. They called me a liar because I told them I lived on a ferryboat.
A ferryboat excursion was arranged for the entire class. Her classmates never doubted her again.
Redmon said that they did one every year after that.
Smooth sailing.
Redmon said the ferry gives a smooth ride. It isn't built for the open ocean.
The ship can use batteries and inverters to power it. The generator only runs for two hours a day to charge the batteries.
The engine room is on the deck. If a fire breaks out, the bank of carbon dioxide tanks will discharge. Everyone needs to leave if that happens because the entire structure will fill with fire-snuffing CO2.
The ship has two propellers, like most ferries.
The bridge has two steering wheels. It is like a tugboat.
Redmon said that she can spin like a top in place.
It takes two people to dock. He said it helps to have friends who can crew.
The ship is more complex than the Chris-Craft. The next owner's manual is being worked on by Redmon.
He said that if you aren't able to manage the stuff yourself, you're going to need to pay someone.
Redmon said that it is not expensive to operate.
He said that his 36-foot Chris-Craft burned about one gallon of gasoline per knot driven.
It can carry 1,400 gallons of fuel.
It is more vulnerable to currents because of its slow speed.
He said that you have to pay attention to the tide when going down through the Narrows. At least not oppose it.
Why sell?
Redmon said that she was a wonderful home for them.
Redmon worked for the state Department of Revenue. In February, Redmon will retire from her job as a physician's assistant.
Redmon said that the couple is willing to sell.
He said they would like to do more traveling on land. He wants to be closer to his parents who live on Whidbey Island.
The ship was on the market. Retired ferry captains have expressed an interest in buying Annabelle, but no one has committed.
The third deck of the Annabelle has a view of the Murray Morgan Bridge and downtown Tacoma.
He said it would take the right person to buy it.
How does the daughter of the Redmons feel about the sale?
Redmon said that she hates it. She made it clear that she doesn't want us to sell it.
