Parking on a Ferry

[steveston]

Hey Herdsters...Tomorrow a number of us are traveling on a ferry to Vancouver Island. Takes about 1.5 Hrs...My question to you is ...Whats is the best and safest way to park on a ferry...I have heard and tried a number of things with a concern of a boat shake and shudder leading to bike damage. Should the bike be in gear. Should a chock be place under the high side of the frame...etc...

Your advice will be appreciated..As Usual..

[vlade]

I'm figurin the fairymen wil tell ya how to load

[steveston]

Found this on the BC Ferry Site...Everyone agree!!


Q: Do you handle motorcycles differently from other vehicles?
A: Motorcycles are usually loaded onto the ferry before other vehicles. Here are some more tips for motorcycle riders:

* Always ride your motorcycle onto the vessel slowly.
* Motorcycles should be parked at a 45-degree angle to the ship's centre line.
* Motorcycles should be left in low gear.
* Your motorcycle should be parked on the side stand so that it won't fall over to the left. The opposite side should then be blocked with wooden car blocks (available on the car deck) so it won't fall over to the right.
* Return to your motorcycle prior to docking to prevent it from falling over when the ferry docks against the shorepilings.

[steveston]

Got it figured...I will sit on it for the hour and a half....LOL!

[Dan]

Got it figured...I will sit on it for the hour and a half....LOL!

This was what I was thinking but I didn't wanna come off the wrong way

[steveston]

This was what I was thinking but I didn't wanna come off the wrong way

Why change now Dan!!:watching

[B-Man]

Y'all have a great and safe ride!!!!!!

[DevilDog]

When ever I rode the ferry, I brought straps with me and parked 45 degrees of centerline on sidestand and cinched the handlebars down to the deck of the boat. most of the ferries I have been on have strap points.

[Ironhead]

good idea DDB, that's what I was thinking would be best

[DevilDog]

Strap points are on "Most of the boats" that I have been on, but what I would suggest is get there in time to talk to the people loading the boat. Ask them is there a place that they can put you so you could use your straps. I was on one that did not have any available as I got to the boat after most of the autos were loaded. But they were cool and found a narrow spot that I could go bulkhead to bulkhead. I have found out that just talking to some people and asking questions sometimes brings out the best is some. For the most part when I do that they will make sure that I have a good spot on the deck. For the most part.... there are still turds floating in every pool. But I have a feeling that you will have good luck.

[JimP]

And after you get under way you should have an idea of how smooth a ride it will be.

[bavery]

I have been on the PEI Ferry a number of time and they provide all of the same good tips above. They (and I suspect most) companies have straps but I have found that bringing your own is best. There's are usually worn and or dirty. Enjoy the crossing and ride.

[DevilDog]

I have been on the PEI Ferry a number of time and they provide all of the same good tips above. They (and I suspect most) companies have straps but I have found that bringing your own is best. There's are usually worn and or dirty. Enjoy the crossing and ride.

Exactly.... the last ones I seen that they had looked like tow truck hooks.... I was not about to hook that to my bike. Two straps do not take up much room on a bike, plus you may need them elsewhere.

[V-Girl]

Yep, strap it down and bring your own, try them out first to see that they work and fit on your bike properly without scuffing the paint or chrome. I got a bunch from the dealer here, they come in the crates with the new bikes! Some bikes need extra little straps to make them work right, I used some old seatbelt material to make straps that the ratcheting ones could hook on to...had to get someone to sew them for me as I am not good at sewing!

[Hot Pink Harley]

this crossing should be veryyyyy smooth... finally hot as blaes here and no wind...
so heres to smooth sailing!!!!:classy:hph

see ya on the island Chris!!!