The north’s never ending fascination with hot running water, at the turn of….. well….. um….. that round thing.
For ALL posts on getting onto and off a ferry and securing the bike for the passage
- Thread starter The Other PaulG
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The north’s never ending fascination with hot running water, at the turn of….. well….. um….. that round thing.
Weird you. I'm having a pint.
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Weird you. I'm having a pint.
That’s my standard approach to any overnight crossing. Get to the cabin, get changed and head for the bar. I’ve found that if I’m at the front of the queue for boarding then I’ve had more than enough beer to retreat to my pit before the ferry even sets off and wake up in plenty of time for coffee before going back to the bike
although wunderlich make something for that purpose.
So here is a question, for all insurance experts.
JB bringing his own 4" ratchet straps. Worst case scenario, who's responsible should his straps fail and propel his awesome steed into a fellow biker mates ever more awesome steed, in rough seas or as a result (god forbid) of a decent shunt into another boat/pier/bridge
?
Who's responsibility would it be, take on a blame and to foot the bill?
*assuming these are tested and certified for the job and undergo a regular inspection between each and every sailing. As if
JB bringing his own 4" ratchet straps. Worst case scenario, who's responsible should his straps fail and propel his awesome steed into a fellow biker mates ever more awesome steed, in rough seas or as a result (god forbid) of a decent shunt into another boat/pier/bridge
?Who's responsibility would it be, take on a blame and to foot the bill?
- A ferry operating company, since they are a carrier of goods/vehicles/fee paining passengers and are responsible (insured) to carry out such activities.
- Or indeed JB, for not using straps* provided by a ferry operating company/staff/deckhands
*assuming these are tested and certified for the job and undergo a regular inspection between each and every sailing. As if
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I am and have done. Having processed all that, I can not help myself but to think that you might be overthinking it by a fair bit, while I and many others, have already showered and enjoying a cold one, whilst chatting utter bollocks with my fellow bollox talking biker mates. But not to worry, you'll soon be along to buy us another round.Think about it ….d’oh
By pulling it down on the rear footrest hangers on both sides, to the deck cleats…the rear wheel is firmly on the deck floor
All I carry is two small 4’ ratchet straps - coiled up in a pannier or rack bag
Wheel chocks are abundant on the deck floor, if you use your eyeballs
Grab a couple and wedge in front of each wheel
Been doing it that way since late 1980’s, on ferries
Don’t be so quick to judge others
Works for me, whilst others are floundering wondering how to strap their awesome steeds down, I’m up to the cabin and ready for a shower
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Likewise.
Whatever the assorted laws or practices might say, 10-1 says BillyBob Bikermate will be seeking compo from any source he can find, probably after assistance from the court of UKGSer and its assorted legal (my mate says) experts.
I would certainly have a go at claiming against the ferry operator if my bike was damaged after being thrown across the deck whilst traversing the Bay of Biscay or if a load on a truck slipped off squashing it. The ferry operator could have a discussion with the truck owner. If the ferry operator became difficult I would claim on my bike insurance and travel insurance and let your sort chew the fat with third parties.
I would do the same. Why not? In for a penny, in for maxo compo.
I’ve emailed Stena Line & asked for their procedure for boarding & disembarking on motorbikes. I’ve also asked if I need to bring additional straps & who is ultimately responsible for the security of the bike.
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there is this on their website https://www.stenaline.co.uk/customer-service/onboard/how-will-my-motorbike-be-secured-onboard
note the last paragraph, "Past experience has taught us that most motorcyclists prefer to park and secure their own vehicle however Stena Line staff will always be happy to offer assistance if required."
It's a bit of a cop out. They should have a duty to secure the bike to a proper standard for marine transport, so I would always require them to get on with it, not assist. Moot point in my case as I only use Brittany Ferries for ferry crossings and they do not shirk their responsibility.
I did look on their website but obvs not hard enough, thanks…
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Hopefully they’ll reply. Probably in Swenglish.
I use the Stena line boat from Belfast to Cairnryan 3 or four times a year (getting bloody expensive) and the deck hands secure the bike with 3" wide ratchet straps across the saddle with the bike in gear and on the sidestand. They have squares of neoprene to protect the saddle. This is the most secure way to strap a bike down IMHO as the strap is compressing the springs and therefore compensates for a fair degree of movement and it can't move backwards and forwards much in gear. Does put a bit of pressure on the sidestand which some don't like but I've never seen it casuing any issues. In the old days I was on a few ferries which required you to tie your own bike down with a piece of manky rope. Doubt it would happen now but a sheepshank and a truckers hitch are your friends........my days as a teenage sea cadet wer not wasted.
It all sounds far to ropey to meIn the old days I was on a few ferries which required you to tie your own bike down with a piece of manky rope. Doubt it would happen now but a sheepshank and a truckers hitch are your friends........my days as a teenage sea cadet wer not wasted.
. I'll sooner grab a manky 3" ratchet strap....
I'm taking my 701 to Dieppe later this year. If it falls over, I'm not sure i'd be able to discern any new damage.
I don’t think Itchy Boots takes any ratchet straps for her crossings. The bike is literally man handled on the boat in which case I’d be more inclined to take wet wipes.
As for P&O, Stena, BF, more damage can be done just trying to ride past the cables and metal pucks all over the place.
As Maverick would say, “Don’t think, just do.”
Have a great time
As for P&O, Stena, BF, more damage can be done just trying to ride past the cables and metal pucks all over the place.
As Maverick would say, “Don’t think, just do.”
Have a great time
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It all sounds far to ropey to me
I haven’t been there for a few years but the IoM steam packet used to install temporary barriers between the rows of bikes and use a bit of rope to secure bikes to them for the two times each year the had the bike race fortnights. You just rode on, put the bike where you were told and away you went.
