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evamcmahan · 11-11-2021, 07:43 AM

One issue I don’t think anyone has mentioned is dogs. All ferries I have used don’t allow people to stay with their vehicles; people must go up to the passenger deck(s). Some ferries allow dogs to come with you to the outdoors areas of the passenger deck(s), but I’ve never experienced one that allows dogs into the cabin area of the deck. Therefore, if rain is heavy, cold, and blowing during a crossing, it could be uncomfortable outdoors. There is a good bit of roof overhand usually, but the area is usually crowded. Also, my experience is that there is little to no seating on the outdoors part of the decks, so standing for several hours may be no fun. Some ferries, however, do not allow dogs on deck at all and require that dogs stay in the trailer or tow vehicle. The ferry to Newfoundland is one. That’s why my wife and I have not gone to Newfoundland. We don’t want to leave our dogs in the trailer or tow vehicle for the several hour trip. It would be strange and stressful for them, and we feel there is too great a risk they could be stolen. So, research, and probably phone, ahead to get the whole story if you have dogs and don’t want to leave them. Oh, some ferries have kennels, usually unattended.

CamperKC · 11-11-2021, 01:16 PM

I live here on the North Fork of Long Island and use the Cross Sound Ferry frequently. Unless the weather is absolutely wild you'll be fine taking the boat. The staff there is very competent and experienced and will certainly take good care of you. I would definitely make reservations since you'll be near the Thanksgiving holiday. Call them for a reservation at 860-443-5281. It will definitely save you time and its a much nicer ride than driving around.

SnowWanderer · 11-12-2021, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evamcmahan

One issue I don’t think anyone has mentioned is dogs. All ferries I have used don’t allow people to stay with their vehicles; people must go up to the passenger deck(s). Some ferries allow dogs to come with you to the outdoors areas of the passenger deck(s), but I’ve never experienced one that allows dogs into the cabin area of the deck. Therefore, if rain is heavy, cold, and blowing during a crossing, it could be uncomfortable outdoors. There is a good bit of roof overhand usually, but the area is usually crowded. Also, my experience is that there is little to no seating on the outdoors part of the decks, so standing for several hours may be no fun. Some ferries, however, do not allow dogs on deck at all and require that dogs stay in the trailer or tow vehicle. The ferry to Newfoundland is one. That’s why my wife and I have not gone to Newfoundland. We don’t want to leave our dogs in the trailer or tow vehicle for the several hour trip. It would be strange and stressful for them, and we feel there is too great a risk they could be stolen. So, research, and probably phone, ahead to get the whole story if you have dogs and don’t want to leave them. Oh, some ferries have kennels, usually unattended.

If the dogs were stolen, there is a captured suspect lot until everyone is off loaded. Check on the critters as often as allowed and insist on doing so half an hour before docking. If the critters turn up missing, you contact the captain and have the local police contacted also. The captain can order a vehicle search of every vehicle disembarking.

The likelihood of successfully stealing a critter would be pretty remote, however, when I was in Vietnam, an armed robbery of a poker game was said to have occured aboard an aircraft carrier at sea. The perps stole several thousand dollars and despite a thorough investigation before the ship returned to port in the Philippines, the dirtballs were never identified. I suspect a live critter or two would be mire difficult to conceal.

Bluetick · 11-13-2021, 06:34 AM

According to the Elridge Tables, it should be neither high tide nor low tide when we're crossing, but rather a falling tide somewhere in the middle.

I'm a little nervous about my doggo, but it sounds like it shouldn't be too bad.

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Hermes · 11-14-2021, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluetick

According to the Elridge Tables, it should be neither high tide nor low tide when we're crossing, but rather a falling tide somewhere in the middle.

From experience, middle tide is best and with a 22' AS you should be just fine.

Bluetick · 11-28-2021, 06:22 PM

Just got back. Easy boarding both ways with very professional ferry crew. Also, the Jeep Gladiator towed the caravel 22 with ease. Hardest part was when we got home to New Hampshire and had to back the trailer up a driveway covered with snow and ice in the dark.

DaveP · 11-28-2021, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluetick

Just got back. Easy boarding both ways with very professional ferry crew. Also, the Jeep Gladiator towed the caravel 22 with ease. Hardest part was when we got home to New Hampshire and had to back the trailer up a driveway covered with snow and ice in the dark.

Just curious as we will do this next spring. Which ferry(s) did you take?

Bluetick · 11-29-2021, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveP

Just curious as we will do this next spring. Which ferry(s) did you take?

We took the Cross Sound Ferry; from New London, CT to Orient Point, NY. It is a large ferry; the one that carried us on the return trip unloaded a huge tractor trailer. Once you get over to Long Island, there are two additional ferries if you don't want to drive around the bay to the Hamptons. The additional ferries run between Greenpoint and Shelter Island and then Shelter Island to the Hamptons. They are pretty small and I'm not sure about putting a travel trailer on them. You can save a lot of money by just driving around the bay. It only adds 15 minutes.

For the Cross Sound Ferry you have to call ahead for a reservation if you're pulling a trailer.

DaveP · 11-29-2021, 06:25 AM

Thanks, Bluetick! That sound like what we will be doing. BTW, what was the cost for the ferry each direction?

NY24 · 11-29-2021, 11:10 AM

Glad it went well. As for backing in the driveway in the dark, I would have pulled straight in, gone to bed and dealt with "getting it right" AFTER sunrise (which I've done several times in the past).