Floating Bridge — Attraction in Isle of Wight

New Chain Ferry is everything we'd read about....and more ! NO guidance or help from staff so when driving on we grounded our car scraping all the paint under the front. Great cheers went up but staff did NOTHING. Still NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE then ! Eventually guided off by one guy but damage done. WON'T BE USING THIS AGAIN ! Went in their office today for insurance claim / compensation forms but nothing, just a scrap of paper with a name to contact.....joke. Staff not pleased with this 'unfit' ferry either !!! Almost a month later and the IOW Council say we must prove their liability.......Trying to do this quickly for less stress and lower costs for everyone BUT looks like this will be in the 'Small Claims Court' before too long £250 + VAT and might just add in extra costs for our inconvenience and time they've wasted !! UPDATE - Claim settled finally after months and whole front bumper / front section removed, repaired and resprayed as the damage was worse than it looked & bumper had to be repositioned & lights / sensors rewired. August 2018 and please Google this ferry yoursef and decide - out of service again and being called 'unfit for purpose'. We're booked to stay in Cowes later this year and will NOT BE USING IT !! Sooner drive...

It's now closed 'for routine maintain before the holiday season'...IT IS the holiday season! So why 'chose' July? Wouldn't have June been better? I loved the old chain ferry - it was super quick, if you missed it it wouldn't take that long to go and return - ok partially because it didn't carry so many cars, but then had a quicker return because it didn't need to off-load / load so many. I so agree with the poster who said developing countries with much less tech manage it - why can't we?! And we build planes and huge turbines here...we should be able to manage this! What was really wrong with the old ferry? ok, a bit chilly for foot passengers...that's about it! I hardly remember a time it was closed for break down, yet this one....and it goes on and on being broken! Just give up and get a new smaller lighter one...accept it wasn't a good design....go on....it's ok being a failure as long as you...

If you're in Cowes and need to cross the Medina River, the Floating Bridge is the way to go! I've used it a bunch of times, and it's always a neat little experience. It's super convenient, especially if you're not up for a long drive around.

The ride itself is quick and smooth. You just roll on with your car, or walk on if you're on foot, and in a few minutes, you're on the other side. It's pretty cool seeing the river up close and watching the other boats go by while you cross. Plus, the views are lovely, especially on a sunny day.

The staff are always friendly and helpful, making sure everything runs smoothly and safely. It's also quite affordable, which is a bonus if you need to use it regularly.

Overall, it's a practical and pleasant way to get across the river, whether you're commuting or just exploring the area. Definitely give it a try if...