It is an outgrowth of the movement for waterfront revival in coastal city after coastal city. Indeed, many of these ferries service new waterfront housing developments and new tourist and recreational facilities along the water s edge. Communities are also encouraging more ferry runs as a way to relieve some of the road traffic clogging tunnels and bridges. From the point of view of an on-board commuter or tourist, a ferry is a great way to see the water and recharge the spirit. But for paddlers, who are seeking to enjoy the same waters under their own power, ferries have to be looked on in a different, often dangerous way.
Ferries can go anywhere.
They are not confined to any set channels. When out in open water, they move as they please. For example, the Staten Island Ferry follows a general route from which it can veer quite sharply as it crosses New York s Upper Bay. A paddler crossing the harbor can t be absolutely certain where that ferry will intersect his path. Since there is no ferry channel there is no easy way to tell whether you are out of its way.