Suisun Bay Crossing - Part 2 Car Ferry Ramon

The Ramon was built in 1914 by the Lanteri Shipyard in Pittsburg, California.  202' in length she was powered by a 8 cylinder distillate engine rated at 600 horsepower.  At the time of its construction, the 600 horsepower engine was the largest internal combustion engine, with electric ignition, in the world. The engine was placed in the center of the of the hull and was connected to two four blade propellers, one at each end of of the hull.

Due to its construction, in strong winds and currents, the Ramon could be difficult to maneuver.  The lack of power, only 600 hp, and bad weather often meant that the scheduled crossing of about nine minutes took much longer.