The History of the South Sands Ferry

South Sands Ferry has been running for over seventy years, originally a small open boat carrying up to twelve passengers who scrambled ashore across the rocks on the southern side of the bay!

In 1984 the present boat was commissioned by the then owner Gilbert Putt. The new boat was designed to carry up to thirty passengers and two crew and to date this number still stands

Also in the 1980s, an ex-army amphibious DKW was used as the mobile landing stage to transfer passengers from the boat to the South Sands beach. 

Gilberts original ferry

Soon afterwards a family who owned a military museum in Cornwall, persuaded Gilbert Putt to sell the ‘DUCK’ in exchange for in improved docking system based on a World War II army truck.

In 1986 the Tucker family bought the business and have continued to run it ever since, operating a half-hourly service between the town centre and South Sands beach from April to the end of October.

Landing at South Sands

In 2014 the old mobile landing stage, having become lovingly known by everyone as the 'Sea Tractor' and after 30 years of service, was retired.

A new (MK3) landing stage was built and designed by the Tucker family . Looking the same and keeping all the features loved by generations of children, this new "Sea Tractor was launched and has continued to transport thousands of passengers annually to and from the beach.

Old and New Sea Tractors