Plaunt Transportation

06/01/2026

The Plaunt Transportation crew would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Sharpe family and friends, as we all mourn the loss of Brent Sharpe. Brent started working for Plaunt Transportation as a deck hand when he was just 12 years old. In 1996, Brent & Ryan both went on to get their captain's licenses. This was a huge blessing to our company, because for 9 years prior to this, Curt was the only licensed captain and had to make every single trip to and from the island.
Brent dedicated 25 years of his life to Plaunt Transportation and felt more like family to us than an employee. Brent was strong, dependable, intelligent, and funny. We were lucky to be his bonus family and knew that help was only a phone call away, even after all these years. He has left some large shoes to fill and his presence on the island will be sorely missed.

05/25/2026

Safe travels today and may you pause to remember those that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🇺🇸

05/14/2026

The Plaunt Transportation crew is deeply saddened to share the loss of one of our family members.
Julie McLaren, wife of Captain Ryan McLaren, passed away last week. Julie grew up spending her summers on Bois Blanc Island and was then able to share those same island summer vacations with her three children. Julie loved her island friends and family. She always made sure to greet them with her kind smile and warm hug, whether it was on the boat, in the pines or at the office. Julie will be greatly missed by us all.

The outpouring of support from people near and far is overwhelming and truly appreciated. We know many of you have been asking for ways to show your love and support for Ryan as well as for Julie’s children. A memorial fund has been established at Citizen’s National Bank in Cheboygan. Checks can be made out to Ryan McLaren with “Julie McLaren Memorial Fund” in the memo line. We ask that you respect Ryan’s privacy as he returns to work and in lieu of offering your condolences in person or bringing cards to him at the boat, have them delivered to our Water Street office building.
Mailing address:
Ryan McLaren
℅ Plaunt Transportation
P.O. Box 2
Cheboygan, MI 49721

This is a difficult time for many of our island family as we collectively grieve the loss of a beautiful soul.

04/29/2026

What a beautiful sight!! The Kristen D. made her way back to Cheboygan today with plans to run 1 round trip (mail trip) this Thursday, April 30th. We will start our regular season runs, Friday, May 1st with the exception of the 8pm trip. Water levels remain elevated and the current continues to run faster than normal. For the time being, we will not be making the 8pm Friday trips. Thank you for your patience, your kind words and your faith in us as we & the greater Cheboygan community navigated this unprecedented situation this month.

04/22/2026

https://www.mlive.com/environment/2026/04/cheboygan-ferry-season-could-get-late-start-as-coast-guard-dnr-close-river-access.html

The agencies have closed boating access sites across the Cheboygan and Black rivers and connecting lakes amid high water that’s straining local dams.

04/20/2026

Due to the ongoing issues with the Cheboygan River, the Coast Guard has closed to channel for transportation until further notice. This will affect our 2026 season start date and potentially our regular season trips as well. We are continuously monitoring the situation and assessing available options. We will post updates here as we get them, please limit your phone calls to the office at this time and know that trips booked may be affected by the Coast Guard mandate and timeline. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we deal with Mother Nature.

04/13/2026

The Kristen D. is docked on the island as a precaution, due to the concerns of flooding & the state of emergency involving the Cheboygan River. Trips ARE NOT running to & from the island at this time.
Mail will continue to be delivered via airplane.
The 2026 schedule is open for ONLINE BOOKING ONLY through our website.
Our office will be closed April 13-18th.
Messages will be monitored as able.

12/26/2025

From our crew to yours....

11/28/2025

09/14/2025

If you happen to see this swash-buckling pirate around today, make sure to wish Smee, I mean Captain Curt, a very happy birthday!