Ran into this over the weekend, kid in a blue security uniform came over after I drove on and starts giving me a lecture on how to drive my truck/boat on and off the ferry. (I had no idea a 16' bay boat was considered "Oversize" by TXDOT and that I should "Call ahead" before getting to the ferry landing.)

During the trip across I watched him peer into every car in my lane, going so far as to lean into folks truck beds to get a better view. He then decided to chat up the car load of teenage girls to my right. He did not do any of the loading and unloading, that was handled by the regular deckhands.

Where did this guy come from? He's not alone, there was another one on the opposite ferry. Is this some sort of Homeland Security stuff? If so, we're certainly getting shafted on the deal.

Don't know....DPS Troopers were doing the same thing for about the last year...didn't know they had "Special Teenaged DrugAlcoholBoatGirl Patrols" on there these days. Thanks for the update...if it wasn't so silly and a tragic waste of tax dollars it would be funny. Maybe some CC/Bluff readers here can clue us in. I wonder...what could a youngster see on the ferry that he/she could possibly think was questionable...LOL

What a job!!! I bet he cant wait until summertime!! The local boob doing boob inspections!!!

Wait until he sees my one ton truck and fifth wheel pull up. We always cross there and then go down south to Pioneer's RV park. If he thinks your boat is oversized, he won't like my fifth wheel. They always load it in the center lane to help balance the Ferry.

I hit the ferry a couple times a week, and there is a "security" guard on each side in golf carts. I have never seen them messing with passangers though. I drive a big f350 with 18" wide tires with spacers to stick them way out and all they do is let me stradle two lanes. I think the guard on your trip must have been new or having a bad day. Just remember to turn your head lights off when waiting and pulling into the ferry. The loaders/security will know you are not a "regular" if you blind them with your lights while loading up on the boat. And also, don't move towards the ferry if they are not waving you aboard. Not a big deal, just a hint.

The ferry system is also Federal, not state, or local, so beware of any wrong doings.

The maximum length for combined vehicles (such as a car and boat) is 65 feet, the maximum width allowed is 96 inches, the maximum height is 13 feet 6 inches and the maximum gross weight is 80,000 pounds.

<What a job!!! I bet he cant wait until summertime!! The local boob doing boob inspections!!!>

Classic!

The Ferry's are TxDot and the security guards have been a addition as of late, they walk the ferry's after everyone is off checking for any items left on the ferry's since we all know that the Port Aransas Ferry is a big terrorist target lol. The troopers are on the Ferry's to monitor drunks and open containers, the open container law is in effect while on the ferry, its a continuation of Hwy 361 http://www.dot.state.tx.us/mnt/ferryops/ferryops.htm

TXDOT is trying to save money by contracting out the dock and security personal(AMTEX)sp. Save on retirments and benefits. Deck Hands and Captains are the only ones directly hired by TXDOT now. I had one of the older hands tell me this back in september. I saw the changes for the first time over new years what a joke they freaked out about my boat.... And the loading was so slow on saturday the 30th. I cant wait till July.

The newby's are not TxDOT personnel, they are from Homeland Security monies. What do you expect?

Truly, "what you get is what you pay for"

Everything seems to be a joke ever since 911. Even blatant rip-offs they get away with because who wants to support terrorists? LOL
Thats what people would say about you if you spoke up.

Crazy world we now live in.

Now any government agency can spend all your money and raise your taxes and we are pretty much forced to just sit by and take it up the you now what.

just got back from there. went across the ferry numerous times ans i saw the guards but htey wasnt going through peoples stuff

Yal should try crossing the bolivar ferry....

If ya happen to get "pulled" from the line youll be waiting for quite a while. while they pull everything out of your truck/boat including make u pop the hood and lift the bedcover and unlock all hatches in the boat.... what a royal pain in the [censored]..... I guess somebodys brother needed a job!!!

Geez...this is all I need. I carry so much stuff in the back of my Grand Cherokee, they'll think I'm either a cat burglar or up to no good at the very least. One Sig Sauer .45 auto, one browning BPS pump 12 ga shotgun, lots and lots of hand tools, saws, come-along, gloves, rope, tie downs, knives, various lights, chain, ground cloth, short 2X4's, folding shovel, piano wire, and lots of ammo.
That's just the normal stuff...not to mention the other stuff I bring when going fishing. I'm going to jail for sure..

When did they start this on Boliver? I was down last summer and they werent doing it.

a good day at port A july 9 2006 http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/users/YGL2R7uBK3Dw/__sr_/231d.jpg?phcaZpFBkw81kEkT