Which end is the bow on a ferry?

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oak_box

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The Galveston, TX / Boliver ferry boats are completely symmetrical - they drive across, walk to the other side of the boat, and drive back, swapping end for end.

So... Which end is bow, and which end is stern, or port vs. starboard? Or does it really just depend on which way you're going? What if it's in a shipyard up on blocks?
 
oak_box said:
The Galveston, TX / Boliver ferry boats are completely symmetrical - they drive across, walk to the other side of the boat, and drive back, swapping end for end.

So... Which end is bow, and which end is stern, or port vs. starboard? Or does it really just depend on which way you're going? What if it's in a shipyard up on blocks?
Click to expand...

You answered your question. IF they stayed in one wheelhouse they would be in reverse and thus the bow would always be the same. Changing wheelhouse changes bow and stern. Contrary to popular opinion the bow does not have to be the pointy end.

This thread should be moved to Humor
 
Ken is correct, there is end 1 and end 2. The bow is always in front of the wheel house. So if you are in wheel house 1 then end 1 is the bow and end 2 is the stern. However, the Pa usually directs personal to end 1 or end 2.
 
All the WA State ferries are the same.
 
The traditional Manly ferries plying Sydney-Manly are 'double ended":
Here`s a pic, in benign weather passing the Opera House:

IMG_4037.jpg
 
Last edited:
Wheelhouse could be getting some spray in this shot:
reg_gibson_rough_water_ferry.jpeg
 
Last edited:
On diesel-electric railroad locomotives, it was not unusual for the front end to have a small letter "f" at that end.
 
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