Whats the deal with...

[Ant132]

Ferries.

Specifically the Isle of Man, steam packet ferry from Liverpool.

Im all booked up, but im wondering what happens on the ferry. Will my bike be looked after, do i need to let the staff secure it or can i do it myself.

Are straps/foam/cloth's provided? Is the journey very bike friendly i.e. are bike sheltered or exposed to the sea?

Anything else i should know/prepare for...?

Cheers, Ant

[brett750]

they are secured by ropes put on by the workers and a tie wrap arround the front brake, and tell you to leave the bike in gear.

they put something under the rope but if you wanna take a tea towel or something to put under this may be a good idea. also take a penknife to cut the tie wrap off.

there were 6 of us went last year and there was no problems and the sea was rough as a badgers nadgers going over.

have fun! 16 days until we go again. cant wait!!

[Nyarlathotep]

As above, except I've never had them cable tie my brake lever, and I live on the Isle of Man and take the ferry off frequently.
That said, I've never taken the ferry over TT, so maybe they do it differently then.
Anyway, since they've started using the bigger catamaran "Manannan" they tend to get you to ride over a wet deck with raised metal bits on the ground - feet down and take it gently!
Also a tip at Liverpool - they will issue you with a boarding pass when you check in, then ask for it back half way down a steep bridge. Put the boarding pass somewhere easily accessible!

[Ant132]

Cheers guys

One more thing, what time are you expected to get there before the leave time.

I.e My return ferry leaves at 07:30, so what time would i need to get to the port?

I will be staying in Port Erin so got to allow time for travelling and checking out etc.

Same with the journey there, ferry leaves at 11:30, would 10:00 arrival at the port be prudent enough?

Ant

[brett750]

id say arround an hour or so. just so you're not rushing around.

remember if youre the 1st bike on then you will be the last one off the other end.

[Charlie]

Doesn't it say on your ticket what time you need to arrive at boarding?
____________________
Past: Honda x8rs, Honda City fly, Honda Hornet 250, Honda VFR750, Yamaha xt600e.
Current: Honda CBR929RR & Yamaha XT660Z Tenere

[Tonka]

Our tickets tell us to be ready on board 45 minutes prior to departure time - Bilbao ferry from Portsmouth. We're giving it a full hour + to make sure we don't have too much of a rush in full bike gear getting all hot and bothered!
____________________
'The core of a man's spirit comes from new experiences'
Suzuki SV650S (Clean); Yamaha XT250 Serow (Dirty)

[Dazbo666]

Hoping to take my son over to IOM at some point, probably not during TT though.
I'll watch this thread with interest for some useful info
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1st bike (Sept'06 - May'10) : 1991 GPZ500S / Current bike (since Nov 2009) : 2003 Suzuki Bandit 600N
Word of the day : DILLIGAF

[Ant132]

[Charlie]

I have never done this crossing but the boats over to other places normal say on the ticket/boarding pass when to make sure you arrive. Oh well
____________________
Past: Honda x8rs, Honda City fly, Honda Hornet 250, Honda VFR750, Yamaha xt600e.
Current: Honda CBR929RR & Yamaha XT660Z Tenere

[Tonka]

Here you are, taken from their website here.

What is the latest check-in time for a sailing?
For Isle of Man check-in is 45 minutes prior to departure for vehicles and 25 minutes for foot passengers. If you arrive after that time we reserve the right to turn you away. Longer check-in is required over the TT and Manx Grand Prix period. Please confirm at your time of booking.

Might be worth calling them to find out if it's TT time that you are travelling!

HTH
____________________
'The core of a man's spirit comes from new experiences'
Suzuki SV650S (Clean); Yamaha XT250 Serow (Dirty)