(a) Where a public road crosses any private stream which has not been meandered as a navigable stream, the bed of which may belong to any individual, if in the opinion of the county court, the public convenience will be promoted thereby, the court may make an order upon its record to that effect, declaring the crossing to be a public ferry.
(b) And when so declared by the county court, the ferry shall be and remain a public ferry during the pleasure of the court and be subject to all the rules and restrictions that are made by law applicable to public ferries on navigable streams.