Author Topic: Ferry from Ft. Meyers to Key West  (Read 10144 times)

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Offline aggie

Ferry from Ft. Meyers to Key West
« on: August 04, 2019, 06:10:41 pm »
Has anyone taken the  Key West ferry recently?  I was thinking to taking the ferry to Key West and then riding up the coast however the website for the ferry makes it seem like a touring equipped bicycle won't be permitted.  This is from the website  Bicycles must be single, standard size with absolutely no attachments, luggage racks, trailers, etc..  It appears a trailer is a definite no-go along with recumbents and tandems but it also seems as if racks are also not permitted. 

Offline John Nettles

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Re: Ferry from Ft. Meyers to Key West
« Reply #1 on: August 04, 2019, 09:00:11 pm »
I and another person took the ferry about 6 years ago with regular touring bikes (4 panniers each).  No issues and they were helpful.
I would check CrazyGuyonaBike.com and search to see what the most recent journals have said.  My guess is the ferry would take anything (tandem w/recumbent) but reserve the right to refuse something if space was tight or something.
Let us know the outcome, John



Offline JHamelman

Re: Ferry from Ft. Meyers to Key West
« Reply #2 on: August 05, 2019, 10:35:58 am »
Hmm, I'd say you may want to call and verify this policy. It may be that they are discouraging large groups but the solo or small group is accommodated based on this crazyguy journal from November 2018:

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1mr&page_id=565264&v=20&part=2

I'd be curious to know the eventual outcome.

Jennifer
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Jennifer Hamelman

Adventure Cycling Association
Inspiring and empowering people to travel by bicycle.
800/755-2453, 406/721-1776 x205
www.adventurecycling.org

Follow Routes & Mapping on Twitter: @acaroutes

Offline aggie

Re: Ferry from Ft. Meyers to Key West
« Reply #3 on: August 05, 2019, 12:29:19 pm »
I will post an update if I decide to use the ferry.  Not sure yet if I will use panniers or a trailer (prefer trailer).  It will definitely be off season.

Offline aggie

Re: Ferry from Ft. Meyers to Key West
« Reply #4 on: August 13, 2019, 11:30:21 am »
Update.

I contacted the ferry company and they said I could not bring a trailer even I have a duffel bag to carry it.  They said I could remove any panniers and carry those onboard as carry on luggage.  So if anyone wants to do the Florida Connector they can’t use a trailer. 

Looks like I won’t be going to Key West. 

Offline John Nettles

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Re: Ferry from Ft. Meyers to Key West
« Reply #5 on: August 13, 2019, 12:09:58 pm »
If you are going to Ft Meyers anyway, maybe show up at the Ferry and plead ignorance???  Never know.  It is a lot easier to say no via email versus in person especially if you start sniffling, have puppy dog eyes, your dying mother lives in Key West, plus you are willing to pay a "surcharge" to the deck hand, etc.

Hope whatever you do, you have a great trip!  Tailwinds, John

Offline jcostanz

Re: Ferry from Ft. Meyers to Key West
« Reply #6 on: August 14, 2019, 01:41:32 am »
A number of years ago I looked into using the ferry and was told that they basically strapped the bike to the railings on the ferry and they would only take "Normal" single bikes due to the way they carry the bikes.

Offline aggie

Re: Ferry from Ft. Meyers to Key West
« Reply #7 on: August 14, 2019, 10:30:13 am »
Not sure if that is still the case.  However even if I put the trailer in a duffel bag it still slightly exceeds the maximum dimensions they allow for baggage.  The ferry seems to cater to tourists going to Key West for a day or two and they have little carrying capacity for anything larger than a small suitcase.  They will take bicycles with racks but they want you to remove any panniers and carry those onboard.  The ACA map - Florida Connector - does say the ferry’s website indicates they don’t take trailers.  That is still accurate.  Since few touring cyclists use trailers the ferry company doesn’t lose much business so they have little incentive to change.  Anyway I will just continue on Hwy 98 to the coast then travel north to Jacksonville.

Offline Pat Lamb

Re: Ferry from Ft. Meyers to Key West
« Reply #8 on: August 24, 2019, 06:11:43 pm »
Just wondering, how many of those tourists drive pickup trucks?  Could you ask one to load your trailer in the bed of his pickup and roll the bike onto the ferry?

Offline John Nettles

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Re: Ferry from Ft. Meyers to Key West
« Reply #9 on: August 24, 2019, 06:29:07 pm »
Pat, very good idea!

Offline aggie

Re: Ferry from Ft. Meyers to Key West
« Reply #10 on: August 24, 2019, 11:42:28 pm »
Unfortunately it is a passenger only ferry.  It is designed to carry as many day trip passengers as possible.  If they took vehicles I am sure it would be no problem.  From the website and the staff it’s lucky they take bicycles.