Bemus Point-Stow Ferry Only Needs Insurance To Open To The Public

By PATRICK L. FANELLI

Up And Running John Cheney, Ellery resident and ferry expert, starts up the engine and watches the chain as it turns the motorized paddles on each side of the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry. Cheney has been instrumental in getting the ferry up and running again. P-J photo by Patrick L. Fanelli


7/13/2006 - STOW — Thanks to the work of two residents on opposite sides of Chautauqua Lake, the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry is now in perfect running condition and only needs insurance coverage before it can open to the public once again.John Cheney of Bemus Point and Roger Miller of Stow, both with longtime connections with the ferry, started up the engine Tuesday morning and explained how it works.‘‘They wanted to get the ferry running, they asked if I would do it, I said I would,’’ Cheney said — and he was true to his word.The pair have taken the ferry across Chautauqua Lake at least a dozen times so far while getting it up to speed and having it inspected. In fact, Cheney and Miller said it’s in even better condition than it was the last time it operated.‘‘It’s just plain neglect,’’ Cheney said. ‘‘This should have been done years ago.’’For one, they’ve replaced the oil in the engine — donated years ago by Cummins Inc. — as well as the central drive chain that links the engine with the paddles that propel the vessel. In addition, the paddle covers have been replaced; the deck has been refurbished; the ramps have been fixed; touch-up paint has been applied; and Cheney and Miller cleaned out the tank chambers below that keep the ferry afloat.‘‘That was the most labor intensive,’’ Cheney said. ‘‘They were in bad shape.’’Early reports indicated a frayed cable caused the ferry to be shut down last summer. However, upon closer inspection, Cheney realized the thick steel cable was barely damaged and would not need to be replaced.The ferry propels itself through the water with two rotating paddles on each side of the square vessel. Each is connected to the hydraulic diesel-powered engine via a chain like one on a bicycle, except many times larger. There are two parallel cables extending all the way across the lake — one for each side of the ferry — which navigates it to the docking platform on the other side. Each cable is several inches thick, generally far too strong to be severely damaged by a boat propeller.In fact, the ferry doesn’t really even need the cables to navigate — though it does make it a heck of a lot easier.‘‘They put a plate up there for a rudder,’’ Miller said. ‘‘They drove it to Mayville once.’’According to Cheney, the ferry has passed inspection and a license to run it has been obtained. A maritime survey was also conducted, and Dick Davies — Chautauqua County insurance director who is helping to obtain the necessary insurance coverage — said once the paperwork is processed, they can finally take it to insurance underwriters and apply for a policy.‘‘We’re approaching three or four markets to get the best price,’’ Davies said.It could cost upwards of $5,000 per year, according to Davies.Even with this expense, the cost of wages, the cost of maintenance and repair, and the five to seven gallons of diesel fuel it uses each day it operates, Cheney feels the attraction can easily pay for itself and turn a profit if its run right.It’s still unclear, though, how the insurance will initially be paid for. Residents working to get the ferry running again have already paid out-of-pocket for the project.Others have lent their support as well. Fritz Simmons donated the oil, and the county public works department has contributed some supplies. Cheney and Miller especially singled out County Legislator Fred Croscut, R-Sherman, and Rick Willman, Summer Wind captain, for their support.It can’t begin regular operation until its covered by an insurance policy, though — seemingly the last hurdle in the struggle to get the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry running again.‘‘It gets frustrating,’’ Cheney said. ‘‘You cross one bridge, and you get to another one


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