Golden Gate Ferry - Fleet

Fleet

Golden Gate Ferry has four catamarans and three Nickum & Spaulding monohull vessels in service today.

The Spauldings are named M.S. Marin, M.S. San Francisco, and M.S. Sonoma. They can carry 715 passengers each. They were purchased from Philip F. Spaulding & Associates in San Diego in 1976—1977. Originally powered by gas turbine water jets, they were converted to diesel engine propeller drives in 1983—1985. More efficient diesel engines were installed in 2001—2002.

The catamarans are M.V. Del Norte (purchased 1998, 390 passengers), M.V. Golden Gate (purchased 2009, 450 passengers), M.V. Mendocino (purchased 2001, 450 passengers), and M.V. Napa (purchased 2009, 400 passengers).

All ferries are wheelchair accessible and can carry a limited number of bicycles. All ferries have on-board refreshments, including a full bar with mixed drinks.

The M.S. Marin underwent a full refurbishment in November 2006, including all new seating, paint, deck covering and carpeting, ceilings and wall paneling, lighting, PA system, restrooms, refreshment stand, security cameras, windows, bicycle racks (accommodating at least 70 bicycles), generator and electrical systems, and modern wheelchair lift. It re-entered service in July 2007.

Golden Gate Ferry purchased two catamarans from Washington State Ferries in January 2009. The M.V. Snohomish was renamed M.V. Napa and entered service in May 2009. The M.V. Chinook was renamed M.V. Golden Gate, underwent refurbishing, and entered service in May 2011. The M.V. Napa underwent refurbishment starting in late 2009.