Double-ended Ferries, Which end is front?

[AE28]

This doesn't answer the question either - I just wanted to share the juxtaposition.
Paul

[blt2ski]

Moonfish,

Now that I think....OUCH...about it,,, note to self, do not thing, pulls brain muscle......

Anyway, it is #1 and 2 end. I should know, seems like I've spent 1of the last 4 yrs commuting to Vashion, Bainbridge via Edmonds Kingston and up to Orcas to get to Crane island. It also seems like the restrooms are on the west end, mens south and womens north side of boats. Not sure why, that is also IIRC the #2 end too! hmmmmmm better not try to figure that one out eh.

[artbyjody]

The end that is the front is the end that doesn't rear end ya....

[Waltthesalt]

I just rode the Bainbridge ferry and there's a sign inside on each end that says "nd 1" or "End A" (I don't recall which) and "End 2" or "End B" The pilot house on each end are identical and the bridge crew shift ends and controls at the dock. Inside designers try to make the arrangements such that passengers arn't disoriented by mirror image arrangements i.e. the galley and heads are on opposite ends of the intreior island. As you know the boats are always operated with the same end being in the front on the same leg of the trip. i.e. the Galley always is heading towards Seattle. In the old days on April 1st some captians would switch ends. There's a paper "50 years of double-ended ferry design" that goes into all the detail you could ever want. Google that with EBDG.

[Waltthesalt]

In Washington state ferries the interior arrangements are set up not to be mirror images fore and aft. Galley at one end and the heads at the other. These and other arrangements are to prevent riders from becoming disoriented. The boats are operated so the same end is always pointing to the same destination. For example on Puget Sound the galley end is always pointing towards the Seattle side.... except in the old days when capitans would switch ends on April Fools. As has been said the polit houses on each end are identically equipped. If you want lots of info on this subject google "50 years of double-ended ferry design" along along with EBDG for a paper on the subject.