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The Kalakala's wheelhouse was her final triumph of form over function. Located on the flying bridge, and set back from her streamlined snub-nose superstructre, it was impossible to see the bow of the vessel from the bridge! For this reason, the Kalakala was known for making even the most seasoned ferryboat captain slightly tense when docking. She reportedly "steered like a tanker" rather than a ferryboat, yet the Kalakala crossed the Sound so many times without incident. In her days before radar, that is a testament to the skill of the captains of the vessel.

It was impossible to see the bow from the KALAKALA's Flying Bridge. George Bayless Collection

The bridge and wheelhouse were entirely built out of copper. It was feared that the steel used in the rest of the vessel would interfere with the ship's compass. Gently rounded, the view of the outside world was seen through five portholes. In 1946, the Kalakala was issued FCC license #001 for the first commercial radar system. Seattle residents serving the Navy and stationed abroad fondly remember seeing the Kalakala sporting her new radar system on newsreels at the movie theatre.

Captain Louis Van Bogart with the new radar unit -
Joe Williamson Collection, Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society

Only about ten feet across and slightly over six feet in height, the wheelhouse became more than slightly cramped with all officers present. In good weather there was nearly always some one on the "flying bridge" outside-not only to get a better view but to make more room in the cramped quarters.

Sadly the wheelhouse was stripped of all the navigational equipment while in Alaska. Today the curve of the room is fully visible, and the layers of paint have been stripped away to reveal their copper structure.

Just aft of the wheelhouse were the officer's quarters.