I have to admit, it sounds a lot crazier before you learn that there are already cables running along the channel that the boat uses. This also means that this

I have to admit, it sounds a lot crazier before you learn that there are already cables running along the channel that the boat uses. This also means that this can't generalize outside of channels that already have cabled crossings. Given that constraint, I wonder about operating these ferries more like a ski lift then. If we're already stringing cables across the channel might it make more sense to keep them on shore away from the water?