Mackinac Island’s oldest and longest-running ferry boat company is leaving the passenger business and selling its boats to a competitor.
The Detroit Free Press reports that the financially-struggling Arnold Transit Company is preparing to halt all passenger service to the island for the first time since the 1800s, leaving just two ferry boat services to the island next summer. Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry officials announced Thursday that it tentatively plans to buy six of the Arnold boats, as well as its boatyard and several docks. Terms of the sale, which is expected to close in coming weeks, haven’t been disclosed. Star Line CEO Jerry Fetty says his company plans to refurbish the six Arnold vessels and reintroduce them as Star Line boats.
