Just in time for the Plover Ferry’s 80th anniversary, the City of Blaine announced on Aug. 8 that the historic boat, which underwent a yearlong restoration, will set sail by the middle of this month. The ferry travels between Blaine Harbor Marina and the Semiahmoo Spit.
Built in 1944, the Plover is the oldest foot ferry in the state. Boat operations ceased during COVID-19, then started up again in 2022, but not for long. Every five years, the U.S. Coast Guard requires inspections to ensure that boats are seaworthy, and in 2022, due to years of deferred maintenance, the Plover was deemed to need extensive repairs. It did not sail in the 2023 season.
Drayton Harbor Maritime, a local nonprofit organization, took on the restoration, which was described on the DHM Facebook page as an “arduous, protracted effort to save this precious icon from our maritime past.” Experienced shipwrights replanked the boat, updated fasteners, replaced equipment and applied fresh sealant and paint to give it another century of life. The repair cost the City of Blaine around $130,000.
The city is now interviewing candidates to captain the ferry.
“We deeply appreciate the community’s patience and look forward to seeing this beloved attraction back on the water soon, continuing its legacy as a treasured local landmark and a testament to our city’s rich maritime history,” the city said in a news release.
During the 2022 season, tickets were $5 for adults and $1 for children under 16. Children under 12 rode free. Updated prices have not been released.
Julia Tellman writes about civic issues and anything else that happens to cross her desk; contact her at juliatellman@cascadiadaily.com.
