Tampa Bay Ferry operator has found a bigger boat

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority has unexpectedly agreed to purchase a ferry vessel that carries 101 more passengers than the previous service. 

PSTA’s governing board, as planned, also offered its unanimous approval Wednesday for Hubbard’s Marina to operate the new Tampa Bay Ferry. The family-owned company, whose name has been synonymous with local waterborne activities for nearly a century, will now test and refurbish the $1.5 million vessel.

The San Francisco Ferry service previously operated the 250-person boat, dubbed the Bay Breeze. Hubbard’s Marina, acting as Tampa Bay Sea Taxi, will spend nearly $1 million on vessel upgrades and delivery. 

A $4.8 million federal grant is funding the acquisition, leaving PSTA with over $2 million to purchase a second ferry. Tara Hubbard, CEO of Tampa Bay Sea Taxi, said after the meeting that the current goal is to “get something a little smaller and faster.” 

“The fact that this vessel was available, the fact that it’s coming from another transit authority – it’s so serendipitous,” Hubbard told the Catalyst. “It’s an incredible deal.” 

The Cross-Bay Ferry, which (figuratively) ran aground in March, had a maximum capacity of 149 passengers. Hubbard noted that “more people on the vessel” means “more people off the road.” 

She said the Bay Breeze’s catamaran design will ensure a smooth ride between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa at 28 knots (32.2 mph). “It’s a really nice boat, and the price tag is ridiculous. So, we’re very eager for that.” 

A failed sea trial is the only thing that could impede the purchasing process, Hubbard said. However, company representatives have already traveled to San Francisco to inspect the boat, meet with the captain and crew and take photos. 

An independent team will now conduct tests and out-of-water inspections. “We feel good about it,” Hubbard added. 

Al Burns, procurement director for PSTA, said he did not plan to recommend a vessel purchase Wednesday. Hubbard’s Marina spent two months searching for a vessel that would meet the agency’s needs and budget. 

President Mark Hubbard called the vessel a “great find,” and said the opportunity “fell in our lap.” The cost to build a new ferry is over $6 million, and identifying a suitable used vessel proved challenging. 

Hubbard said it would cost about $12 million to replace the Bay Breeze. “This boat is amazing. It has been really well-maintained by the City of San Francisco … It’s a great opportunity for Pinellas County to pick it up.” 

“It’s already fully operational,” Hubbard continued. “They call it the workhorse. Old reliable.” 

Mark Hubbard (left), President of Hubbard’s Marina, and his daughter, Tara, CEO of Tampa Bay Water Taxi. Screengrab.

The Bay Breeze entered service in 1994. However, Hubbard noted that it has operated in “fairly mild” seas, similar to Tampa Bay, and “hasn’t been beat up.” 

He expects the boat to run for at least another decade. “As long as it continues to be well-maintained, we’ll just keep it going.” 

Hubbard, like many local stakeholders, expects Tampa Bay residents and visitors to embrace the more efficient, year-round ferry service. Additional passengers and routes will lead to additional grants and revenues, which then allow PSTA to purchase other boats. 

County Commissioner Chris Scherer agreed that it was a “great find on the vessel.” He was worried about identifying ferries in PSTA’s price range, “and there it is.”

“So, don’t let it slip away,” Scherer concluded. 

Burns noted that 90% of Cross Bay passengers self-identified as locals. “Nearly all the riders spent money in their destination city,” he said.

About 33% of passengers used the Cross Bay to eliminate planned vehicle trips. The service required $1.4 million in annual municipal subsidies. 

The two anchor cities will each contribute $350,000 annually to the Tampa Bay Ferry. PSTA’s board approved a five-year, up to $16.59 million contract with Hubbard’s Marina. based in Madeira Beach. The agreement also has a five-year extension option. 

Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA, said in a prepared statement that “if this new vessel gets all the appropriate approvals, this will give us the opportunity to deliver a sustainable, convenient and reliable transportation option on a quicker timeline.” 

Hubbard’s Marina will refurbish the Bay Breeze’s engine, upgrade the interior and complete testing in January. A much larger ship will carry the ferry through the Panama Canal to Florida. 

Tara Hubbard said the Tampa Bay Ferry could launch in the summer of 2026 – if all goes according to plan. St. Petersburg will build a temporary dock in the Vinoy Yacht Basin while creating a permanent home for multiple vessels along the St. Pete Pier. 

After the meeting, Hubbard explained that her father, Mark, spent over three decades working to establish waterborne transit in the area. She called the approvals “very special” for her family, which includes her brother Dylan, vice president of Hubbard’s Marina. 

Hubbard noted that Tampa Bay Sea Taxi is “legacy-rooted.” However, she said Thursday that the celebratory period is already coming to an end. 

“We’re businesspeople; we’re entrepreneurs, and we know the work is just getting started,” Hubbard continued. “So, we’re back at it. We actually have a kickoff meeting with PSTA in less than an hour.”