All Aboard The Duck Boat
by ashleyrathje
All aboard the duck boat.
I have explored the city countless times being a bay are local but only recently did I experience it from the duck boat. This land and water tour was humorous to say the least. The amphibious vehicle’s features were similar to a pontoon boat other than the bow, which curved to meet a center point. Captain Doug Perry explained that the boats were actually prototypes from WWII. The boats, initially known as DUKWs, were built in 1942 for military purposes. Thousands of these boats were built and used to carry ammunition from ships to shore.
Today, these amphibious vehicles are a means for tourists to explore San Francisco in a unique fashion. The tour began in Fisherman’s Warf, an excellent fit for the duck boat. Famous seafood restaurants, and not-so-famous stands overflowing with crab, mussels, and fish were visible in every direction. I wondered if Captain Doug noticed the stench anymore. We piled on the vehicle, each taking a quacker, duck whistle – whatever you’d like to call it. The class immediately tested out the whistles, and a child-like smile appeared on the faces of each and everyone one of us. I made sure to get a seat in the front believing that the splash into the bay would be more exciting from close-up. Captain Doug explained that he of course must have a driver’s license as well as a captain’s license. In fact, his captain’s license allows him to operate a 100-ton boat.
A fellow classmate asked, “Why not operate a ferry boat?”
Captain Doug Perry responded, “I’ve talked to the other ferry boat captain’s and one of the big problems is that you’re a bus driver and you have absolutely not relationship with the people on your vessel. What’s fun for me about this is the interaction with all of you guys.”
The duck boat tour is quite unique, but what set this tour apart from the others I have taken part in was Captain Doug. As we explored the different districts he shared interesting, no-so-well-known facts about the city while playing music to match the setting. We drove through fisherman’s Warf where an old peach cannery was pointed out to us, and into North Beach where we were told to try the Stinkin’ Rose, an Italian restaurant which Captain Doug explained serves garlic with a side of food. Next stop, China Town. This district of San Francisco has the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. Captain Doug also pointed out the fortune cookie factory. He explained that fortune cookies actually originated in Japan, but the Chinese were able to capitalize on the discovery. San Francisco is an extremely diverse melting pot; each district possesses a distinct character and flare. Interestingly, the city is only about 47 square miles, and much of the Marina is actually built on landfill.
Before driving the duck boat into the water Captain Doug discussed safety protocol.
He pointed out the life jackets resembling those from Gilligan’s island, and explained that our exit route would be the open spaces surrounding us. I moved up a row to get closer to the action as we drove into the water, preparing myself for a splash. However, at a maximum speed of 5mph my expectations fell short. As we cruised through the bay towards AT&T Park, Captain Doug explained to the class the methods kayakers, and boaters use to capture fly balls. Boaters bring their dogs that jump into the water to retrieve the balls while kayakers bring tennis balls to confuse and mislead the dogs.
As we headed back to shore Captain Doug continued to tell his infamous cheesy jokes. “Well you know this isn’t the sea it’s the bay… so there not seagull’s there bayguls.” I appreciated his constant attempts to get a laugh out of the class; it was apparent that this was his goal for each tour. For this reason, the captain absolutely made the trip one to remember.
Oh the places I'll go 