Why not Denis?Maybe the funnel was a simple way to improve the appearance of this floating mass of windows and cars.

If form follows function on this ferry & to make it somewhat shipshapy wasn't in the list of her designers, I still wonder why need for the fake funnel then? Even if there might be something inside her, why make her exactly as the real funnel?
Were they like "It's so functional but so ugly... if only it could have at least a second funnel for a little bit of harmony in this heap of metal?"

Hi Peter.Form depends on function,but still this ship could look better.How you explain that in other countries like Norway or Greece in similar connections and similar needs,double-end ships are less ugly?
By the way,extremely interesting link,i guess the ship in the photo is a kind of pioneer in its kind,thanks for the info :)

Haha,true,we are nerdy indeedbut proud of this nerdy hobby :p.
The truth is that functionality is more important than aeshetics,but the point is that i compare this specific ship with other ships of similar purpose in other countries and not with a science fiction ship that exists in my mind only.And in this comparison this thing is a monument of ugliness.I respect it if it serves its purpose and passangers well,but as shiplover we can discuss for more than these elements :).
Regards!

I'm a shiplover too, but I've also been involved with ships and shipping professionally for over 30 years. In terms of ships' outward appearance, style, elegance and aesthetics do not cut much ice. Remember they are business tools, designed to function as efficiently, productively and safely as possible. As much as it would be nice, you can't expect modern, functional ships to satisfy the whims of a bunch of nerdy shipspotters like us !

Cheers
Phil

As a shiplover,i cannot see a ship as just a soulless transport-construction that will take me from one place to another.Aesthetic,design,elegance,appearance are important,without wanting to underestimate characteristics like functionality,ability,confortness,speed,capacity etc

I simply can not understand these comments being raised now, as the thing has been travelling to and from the Isle of Wight for 11 years. She is hardly new. Perhaps not particularly attractive, but functional, although I believe her propulsion system has not been over-reliable

Allan

I ve never travelled with this ship,i have no doubts that it's efficient and comfortable..but to tell you the truth i would prefer to be on a prettier ship even if it needed the double time to arrive to it's destination!

Not a pretty ship but very efficient in my experience when crossing the Solent, also very comfortable for the hour or so crossing.

@Roy, well said!

@Fergal, sorry, can't help myself when I see an ugly ship.

Maybe the funnel and the bridge are the only parts that remind a ship :p

The only part they took care of for the sake of looks is placing that fake funnel on one side.

It could look much better Roy, for sure! but to look better it needs to be designed better and built better. but being better costs more

No doubt about that,Fergal, but wouldnt be even better if it served its purpose with more elegance?Now its a smart useful construction,but you can hardly say it looks like a ship.

Its not the prettiest thing for sure but Im sure it serves its purpose just fine

I don't know if Denis repeats himself,but i agree with him..this ship is not just ugly.It's a mass of iron and windows without specific shape!

Seriously Dennis.. enough of the ugliness. its becoming rather tiresome

Very ugly ferry.