Washington State Ferries was caught with its boats down and users of the Keystone/Port Townsend ferry route paid a heavy price last week.

For two entire days, there was no ferry between Keystone on Whidbey Island and Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula. The closure forced ferry users to drive approximately 100 miles out of their way and take two others ferries to reach their destination. This was more than an inconvenience, it was an impossibility for some. They just decided to stay on one side or the other until ferry service resumed.

It was all caused by a small crack in the hull of the 80-year-old Klickitat, the floating museum piece assigned to the long, often tumultuous route across the waters of Admiralty Inlet.

Old boats are prone to breaking down from time to time, which is a fact that should come as no surprise to the state ferry system. Not having a backup on hand suggests poor planning. Only four boats can serve the route with its notoriously small Keystone Harbor. Two were being used elsewhere and one was out of service.

It would seem only prudent that Washington State Ferries would always have a backup boat available in case of an emergency. Shutting down an entire ferry route for two days is unacceptable. It’s hard on commuters, commercial truckers, tourists, and the economies of Whidbey Island and Port Townsend.

Fortunately, the Washington State Legislature was in session as this gaff was occurring. Serious scrutiny should be given to ferry system management. If it’s poor planning, get some better planners. If we’re short of boats, buy some new ones. State Ferries has some grandiose plans for new ferry terminals — Mukilteo and, further away, Keystone, come immediately to mind — but if there aren’t enough boats it makes little sense to spend money on fancy new terminals.

Judging by what happened at Keystone last week, it’s time to shift priorities. If a choice must be made, build boats, not terminals.