Miller Boat Line

Miller Boat Livery became incorporated in 1966 and renamed Miller Boat Line. Breakwall and a steel and concrete dock were added to Miller's Lime Kiln Dock on the southeast tip of Put-in-Bay. By switching the main Miller ferry route to the Lime Kiln, Lee Miller had established the most efficient and shortest ferry route to the island. This shorter passage was three miles long and could be run in under twenty minutes. By 1972 the vessels were making twelve trips daily between the mainland and Put-in-Bay (South Bass). Scheduled trips were added for Middle Bass Island and run by the ferry West Shore.

Today the ferries are equipped with regulation Coast Guard safety, security and fire equipment, all which lend to these priorities: A safe, dependable and enjoyable crossing.

Part of the fascination of the ferry trip is watching the puzzle pieces of passengers, cars, bicycles, commercial trucks, kayaks, pets, boats and trailers, motorcycles, luggage (and most anything!) fill the decks of the ferry. The eighteen minute trip between Put-in-Bay and Catawba allows enough time to chat with fellow residents, check the to-do list, or relax. The Middle Bass route allows a bit more leisure; forty minutes of gazing at the islands, Ohio and Canadian shoreline.

The ferry service operates because of the devotion of all who work there; the people that sell car and passenger tickets, gift shop/information ladies, dock personnel, freight handlers, women that run the office operations and answer the phones, security, Captains, diligent deck hands and maintenance men sent to repair things at a moment's notice. About 95 five people are employed by Miller Boat Line during peak season and they each lend to the boat line's reputation of being the most frequently traveled and largest ferry service on Lake Erie.

What began as a humble fishing charter and ice business has evolved into not only a ferry line for passengers, cars and freight, but a way of life for anyone who chooses island living. Miller Ferry is the main artery between mainland and the islands of Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass. Board a ferry across Lake Erie and you will understand why a ferry route is known as "the most poetic of roads".

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