I rode on the Nindawayma back in the summer of '89.  Of course that was many years ago now, and she was in a lot better shape back then.  The rumours about her not being able to handle the rough weather are true, which is why she was only in service during the high-peak months of July-August.  She indeed did have a lot of mechanical problems-mostly eletrical and hydraulic related, but yes her engines(Pielstick's) were also fussy and burned an obscene amount of fuel.  Ontario Northland, who were/are the former owners, took a huge financial loss as they paid $13 million for the vessel, while she was only in service for four seasons, from 1989-1992.  In contrast, the Chi-Cheemaun has been in service for 32 years now.  Meanwhile, the "big canoe" is spending the winter in Sarnia, Ontario undergoing a major refit which reportedly includes new engines, stabilizers, and some interior modifications as well.  Regular sailing will resume in May, 2007.