Community Corner
Chappy Ferry: Expect Long Waits Starting Oct. 20
The waiting time for a ride on the Chappaquiddick ferry could be three times as long as normal while the larger of the two On Time vessels is hauled for inspection and maintenance, according to owner Peter Wells.
The On Time III will come out of service on the Chappaquiddick run and travel to Vineyard Haven next week for its mandatory biennial Coast Guard inspection and preventive maintenance, according to a post on the Chappy Ferry Facebook page.
The ferry was initially scheduled for the inspection and maintenance last month, after Labor Day. But almost as soon as the On Time III was pulled out of the water, long lines began to develop and owner Peter Wells called the vessel back into service until after the Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby, which ends this weekend.
Starting Sunday, Wells advises passengers, "You may wait perhaps three times longer than usual" for a ride aboard the one remaining Chappy ferry, On Time II.
Drivers can help pack more vehicles onto the On Time II by removing their trailer hitches, Wells said in his Facebook announcement:
"Often this will give us the extra foot needed to squeeze on a third vehicle. If you have more than one vehicle and have a choice, please use your shortest vehicle during this period. This will help reduce the waiting time."
For updates on the Chappy ferries, Wells continued:
- "Check our web cameras at ChappyWISP or at chappyferry.com on the Internet. When you can see two ferries, that means that both boats are in service again.
- Call our hotline at 508-627-6965 and check our Facebook page.
- Sign up to receive a “Chappy Text Notification”. Text the word “chappy” to 69302."