Kelleys Island Ferry — Attraction in Danbury Township

CAMPERS BEWARE! On July 7, 2019 we boarded one of their Ferry Boats for a short trip over to Kelley’s Island. Although the water was very rough, the trip across the lake was uneventful. On July 14, 2019 we started the trip home. Before boarding the boat I noticed that it seemed a bit high but was instructed to board so I did so with caution. When moving onto the ramp I heard and felt our camper bottom out at the rear. Keep in mind that during this process I was instructed to watch the man directing me onto the boat, not my mirrors. We were packed in very tightly so my first opportunity to inspect the camper was when we disembarked at Marblehead. I pulled over to the side once off the boat to perform an initial inspection to first find that the spare tire carrier was damaged. Upon further inspection I found that the rear of the camper had shifted in(noticeable by the photos of the rear corner of the unit) and the bottom corner was bent out. After taking photos I completed an incident report and turned it in to the ticket booth. Although the people seemed indifferent they said they would forward it to their manager. I also looked very closely and their are NO NOTICES OF DISCLAIMER concerning damages posted anywhere on the property nor on the receipt. Towing the camper home was quite difficult as it was a fight to keep it straight in the lane. Being a truck driver with over 30 years of experience I have no problem controlling a trailer in good condition. Once home I performed a further inspection to find that the leaf spring assembly on the passenger side was significantly bent. Keep in mind that this is welded directly to the frame of the unit. As we had the camper planned out for the rest of the summer I consulted with our local RV repair facility, showed them the photos and described how it handled. We were advised not to take it anywhere at that point and the earliest we can get it in for. Inspection, estimate and repair(if possible) is September 9, 2019. During all of this time it took 2 weeks of calling, emails and messages to get in touch with the general manager of Kelley’s Island Ferry Boat Lines. Even I can understand her having a death in the family but they should have had someone else in charge. She directed me to contact a gentleman who happens to be at Ohio Bulk Transfer in Newburgh Heights, OH. All I have gotten from them is “he’s not in,” “he just left,” “he’s not in today” and even no answer. I have even left a message. I have tried to be polite in hopes that we could settle this among us without getting the insurance company and attorneys involved but I am being left with no other choice but to completely place this in the hands of my insurance company and my attorney. In the meantime, I have a 36’ camper sitting in my driveway(only 3 years old I mind you) with damaged suspension and possibly a damaged frame. Our camping season ended when this happened. This issue will not go away and I will continue to pursue this matter until it is resolved...

We booked passage and waited in line, eager to experience the novelty of driving on a boat. Our wait was perfectly repaid, for up we went, off we cast and over we moved, the water parting at the bow as a welcoming open door. We quickly exited the car in trade for a deck view up a short flight of steps which rise above the convenient restrooms. Once above, we found benches occupied by some passengers crossing without an automobile, which first struck me as quite odd, until I realized that it was I who was the odd duck, and a foreigner to this way of life. There was plenty of room for a seat, and the views were lovely. To the West stood a lighthouse, all alone at the end of it's rocky home and standing sentinel to those in need, while to the East the hazy shapes of breathtaking rollercoasters among the other thrills of Cedar Point kept my head on a swivel. For a brief time I was a luxury passenger being escorted along the sights of Lake Erie to my island destination. Shortly thereafter, Kelly's Island came more clearly in view and the dream was over, the foreigner in me amazed by the fact that people, ordinary people, lived, worked and were eventually laid to rest in such remote loveliness. We found more than the glacial remains we initially set out to see. We found a little town in which golf carts are more suitable, and used. We found lovely parks, historical and modern homes, and the friendliest shop where local sea glass is turned into breathtaking jewelry. We found a place to which we want and plan to return. Take the trip if you can....

Staff on the ferry was GREAT!..... however staff at the dock in Marblehead was extremely rude and unprofessional. This was our first time taking the ferry to Kelley’s and will most likely be the last. They tell you to hold on to your ticket until you return which is fine no problem. When returning we got off the ferry no one took our tickets. A friend with us showed it to someone working on the boat and he nodded his head at him as in a “you’re good” manor. Being first timers we thought ok they didn’t even collect our tickets. One friend threw his ticket in the garbage on the 2 minute walk back towards the cars and as we get up to the gate they are FINALLY collecting tickets. Our friend stated that he threw it away because he showed it to a person working on the boat who basically said ok and her rude response was “well you can go back and get it or pay me $10” bobbing her head with an attitude instead of “Sir, sorry for the miscommunication but you’ll have to go back and get it or we have to charge you $10” No one instructed us to keep until we are basically back at the car the sign says to keep your ticket until you return...we had already returned and being first timers there was no communication as to where they were collected. All other transportation to the islands collect your ticket as you board. Another friend went back to get his ticket and get his $10 back and when going to the window to discuss the lack of communication the rude girl wanted to start tapping her nails on the glass. Very...