OWEN SOUND—The Chi-Cheemaun made her way back to the Owen Sound harbour on December 16 for her winter berth. Following the 2016 sailing season, the Chi-Cheemaun departed for Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, where the ship underwent a required five-year out-of-water inspection and survey at Fincartieri Bay Shipbuilding.
The scope of work for this particular out-of-water inspection was more rigorous than past years, an Owen Sound Transportation Company Limited release notes. It explained that the bow thruster was completely replaced with a rebuilt unit by Queen’s Marine Canada. All four propulsion shafts were removed; the original tired bearing journal sleeves were cut off and removed. All shaft line bearings have been replaced with the original Cutless bearings under the supervision and direction of Queen’s Marine Canada.
The 10 propellor blades were sent to Service Marine Canada in Quebec for restoration. The obsolete stern tube packing gland sealing arrangements were retrofitted with modern mechanical seals to both port and starboard shaft lines. It was explained the mechanical seal upgrade is primarily environmentally driven to reduce waste water entering the engine room bilge. The original seals are designed to leak which forces water treatment and disposal. The new seals run dry and permit maintenance without dry docking the vessel. The steering rudder system pintle, steady bearings, sealing arrangement and rudder stocks were restored to original specifications by MMH Marine Canada. The port stabilizer was removed, bearings and sealing configuration was refurbished by Rolls Royce and MMH Marine.
Another major objective was to stop structural steel erosion within the vessels double bottom belly tanks. A complete blast and tank recoating was employed through multiple access points cut into the bottom shell to achieve this goal. Notably, the 40 plus years of hull and superstructure paint accumulation was blast removed and re-applied. The refinishing will create the perfect canvas for the new vibrant Woodland style inspired decals that will be applied in April 2017.
The extensive work scope and 40 year drive train refit will support the long term service capability and reliability of the Chi-Cheemaun for many years to come. The OSTC engineering staff remained in Wisconsin with the vessel assisting the dry dock, Canadian contractors and other key interests throughout the two-month project.
Work will continue this winter within the Chi-Cheemaun while docked at the Owen Sound harbour. The forward lounge (Fathom Five Lounge) will be completely overhauled with a focus of transforming the entertainment spaced to be more benefitting for live onboard concerts.
The Chi-Cheemaun will then make her way back to Tobermory on May 4 during the annual repositioning spring cruise. The 2017 sailing season will then begin on May 5, providing daily crossings from Tobermory to South Baymouth from May until October.
