Cook Strait Ferries Megathread

[buggerit]

Is it still recommended to take your own tie downs for the Cook Strait ferries?

[Blackbird]

Is it still recommended to take your own tie downs for the Cook Strait ferries?

I prefer to trust what I know Steve. Got landed with some manky old rope once which was barely adequate. When are you off? IAM social ride in your neck of the woods tomorrow.

[buggerit]

I prefer to trust what I know Steve. Got landed with some manky old rope once which was barely adequate. When are you off? IAM social ride in your neck of the woods tomorrow.

Just loading the bike now, looking to jettison what I can:scratch:

[Blackbird]

Just loading the bike now, looking to jettison what I can:scratch:

You shouldn't need to jettison much with the underpants inside out option :killingme . I've got fast-drying non-iron travel gear these days as well as merino so I don't smell like a skunk. Post a few photos of your GT in scenic locations. Catch you when you get back.

Have a fantastic trip mate! :not:

[buggerit]

You shouldn't need to jettison much with the underpants inside out option :killingme . I've got fast-drying non-iron travel gear these days as well as merino so I don't smell like a skunk. Post a few photos of your GT in scenic locations. Catch you when you get back.

Have a fantastic trip mate! :not:

Undies, I knew I had forgotten something.
On board now, Inter islander is well set up with ratcheting tie downs
with handlebar loops and a slot bracket/slot to hold your
front wheel.

[jellywrestler]

Is it still recommended to take your own tie downs for the Cook Strait ferries?

why, you pay for tiedaowns, tell them to supply tie downs, taking your own is bending over and letting them fuck you up the arse as far as i see it

[Kickaha]

why, you pay for tiedaowns, tell them to supply tie downs, taking your own is bending over and letting them fuck you up the arse as far as i see it

Do you though? I thought you were just paying for a space on the boat

[jellywrestler]

Do you though? I thought you were just paying for a space on the boat per square foot you pay a significant amount more, for what, tie downs i think. some years ago i worked with the interislander people and actually got them to put proper tie downs on a boat, with their name on them, worked through options to lessen the likelhood of them being stolen etc, which they weren't even worried about.
the operations manager cam on board and met with me, happened to be a sunday after the useless club agm so was packed out, right in front of his eyes a bike toppled because of the bullshit chain system.
it worked, the got plenty of tie downs and life was better for a while.
he then left and the follow up wasn't done.
my main point of insisting on tie downs is no matter how good yours are, and how good you tie you bike down it won't stop the next guy's bike being tied properly. additionally, do i really want to tour the south island with 1/2 a kilo of cow shit covered tiedowns?

they seem to have no trouble providing tie downs for the truckies.

[Kickaha]

my main point of insisting on tie downs is no matter how good yours are, and how good you tie you bike down it won't stop the next guy's bike being tied properly. additionally, do i really want to tour the south island with 1/2 a kilo of cow shit covered tiedowns?

My tie downs are very good and I'm always cautious about the guy next door tying his bike down, I would think if you have 1/2 kg of cowshit attached to your tiedowns you'd have bigger problems with how much is spread over your bike

Different point of view than yours but if it's my bike then I'm responsible for it and I will take whatever steps I deem necessary for a crossing with no problems without relying on the freight company/deckhands

[jellywrestler]

My tie downs are very good and I'm always cautious about the guy next door tying his bike down, I would think if you have 1/2 kg of cowshit attached to your tiedowns you'd have bigger problems with how much is spread over your bike

Different point of view than yours but if it's my bike then I'm responsible for it and I will take whatever steps I deem necessary for a crossing with no problems without relying on the freight company/deckhands

i'm talking about the cowshit on the decks, do you take your own scissors to your barber?

why do we continually let these cunts get away with it?

[GazzaH]

Is it still recommended to take your own tie downs for the Cook Strait ferries?

No, they have big anchors and strong chains to tie the ferries down. Not sure they are long enough for the middle of the Cook Strait though. She's pretty deep.

[nerrrd]

Travelled on the Interislander in February, this is what they sent me beforehand.

Having said that, there were some tie downs/bits of rope with hooks available on both trips.

[jellywrestler]

Travelled on the Interislander in February, this is what they sent me beforehand.

Having said that, there were some tie downs/bits of rope with hooks available on both trips.

is that acceptable service? there's absolutley no assurance that the bike next to you will be sicure....

[pete376403]

p

they seem to have no trouble providing tie downs for the truckies.
The trucks are tied down with big overcentre chain and hook things that fit into the slots in the deck.There's plenty there because they are too big and heavy to steal. The interislander branded ratchet straps were probably all stolen in the first week.

[jellywrestler]

The trucks are tied down with big overcentre chain and hook things that fit into the slots in the deck.There's plenty there because they are too big and heavy to steal. The interislander branded ratchet straps were probably all stolen in the first week.

when i got them provided oddly they said theft wasn't an issue, had a budget for it like glassware going from a bar, in saying that they looked at the options of one end hooked on that needed tools to remove etc, it was quite a few years ago and i rarely travel on the ferry with a bike now so never kept the momentum i'd gained going.

[Kickaha]

is that acceptable service? there's absolutley no assurance that the bike next to you will be sicure....
That's why I'll always try to leave a gap between the next one, although I'd normally watch them tie their own bikes down to see how good they do it


i'm talking about the cowshit on the decks, do you take your own scissors to your barber?

Having travelled on the ferries just about annually since 1987 I have yet to see cowshit on any deck, I have far more choice of barbers to find one with the correct gear than I do of Ferries with tiedowns

[nerrrd]

is that acceptable service? there's absolutley no assurance that the bike next to you will be sicure....

Well it was my first time so I was actually glad to have bought some I could figure out how to use them before I got there.

But I agree it would be nice to have someone who knows what they're doing strapping the bikes down or at least checking they're secure enough (maybe they do once the riders have left).

[FJRider]

Do you though? I thought you were just paying for a space on the boat

When you take a car or truck on any of the ferries ... who supplies and fits the tie-downs ... ???

Many motorcycle owners however ... are quite particular on who touches their bike. From the days of the Aramoana ... it was NZR policy and rules that Motorcycle owners tied their own bike down. Ropes were supplied but first in ... first used all the ropes. The "Take your own" unofficial rule app[lied ... for the individual motorcyclists safety and convenience ... has been always advised in these forums.

Those that choose NOT to take this advice and NOT take their own ... be it on THEIR own head.

[jellywrestler]

Those that choose NOT to take this advice and NOT take their own ... be it on THEIR own head. once agian, this doesn't help if the guy beside you has none now does it?

[Kickaha]

But I agree it would be nice to have someone who knows what they're doing strapping the bikes down or at least checking they're secure enough .

When the fast ferry operated, I parked my bike where I was told next minute the guy throws a tie down across the seat left to right and starts cranking it down


When you take a car or truck on any of the ferries ... who supplies and fits the tie-downs ... ???

A lot if the time they aren't tied down


once agian, this doesn't help if the guy beside you has none now does it?

Fuck him for being a dick and not being prepared, I'll move my bike further away

[FJRider]

When the fast ferry operated, I parked my bike where I was told next minute the guy throws a tie down across the seat left to right and starts cranking it down

I never took a bike across on the fast ferries. I always took some rope with me on the NZR ferries. Sometimes I needed it.

[FJRider]

once agian, this doesn't help if the guy beside you has none now does it?

In a perfect world we'd all care. It's not.

In these cases ... those unlucky dumb one's would just hope for a calm sailing. The smart ones would ask a crew member for help.

[pritch]

When the fast ferry operated, I parked my bike where I was told next minute the guy throws a tie down across the seat left to right and starts cranking it down


I never used the fast ferry but was warned that if I did I should take a towel to fold and put across the seat.

[F5 Dave]

Yeah the guy cranked it down, think that bike at least had a centrestand.

But after a rough ride on the vomit comet, where all the ceiling tiles were playing castinet tunes, we resolved to go pick up our broken bikes, sad end to a great trip.

To our surprise they were all upright. And the seatfoam recovered a bit. :woohoo:

[buggerit]

Undies, I knew I had forgotten something.
On board now, Inter islander is well set up with ratcheting tie downs
with handlebar loops and a slot bracket/slot to hold your
front wheel.

Update, the above ferry was the Kaitaki.

Return trip was on the Awatere,manky rope with hooks on the end and rubber chocks , glad to have my own tiedowns with me.

[jellywrestler]

Update, the above ferry was the Kaitaki.

Return trip was on the Awatere,manky rope with hooks on the end and rubber chocks , glad to have my own tiedowns with me.

did you fill out a form noting the shit service on the awatere?

[buggerit]

did you fill out a form noting the shit service on the awatere?

Nah, got distracted chatting with an Austrian lass.

[Paul in NZ]

When we travelled with the ST1050 and the Mk2 LeMans I always carried one of those cool little straps that run between the clip-ons and tighten on themselves when pulled tight. Easiest and fastest way to tie those bikes down...

[F5 Dave]

Actually I'd like to get some bar harness doofer for fairing'd bikes.

Suggestions?

Like this?

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/stands-lifts-ramps/listing-2022533371.htm?rsqid=6b5b5040ad7c47cd80232d47dd0e3 76d-002

[Ulsterkiwi]

trip to Nelson in February past, coming back home to Wellington. One of my group was being yelled at for not positioning his bike correctly. He was trying to back it up and couldn't because one of the levers they use on the chains was stuck under his back wheel like a chock. The staff member just kept yelling at him and then started pushing on the front of the bike. The metal level shifted and was now headed directly for the cat on the bikes exhaust system, the ferry guy was shoving and shoving. I had to yell like a banshee to get his attention, pointing out they were going to trash the bike. The ferry guy looked at what was happening and just walked away, didn't come back at any point. This despite the fact he was yelling this was his "area" and we had to do what he said. Total wanker.

Another chap pulled alongside our party, he was going for broke with tiedowns. He had two on the front, two on the back and one over the seat. He had the bike on the centre stand. he cranked so hard on the front straps he pulled the bike off the stand, he was very lucky the whole thing didn't go over.

The chain system was all we had to secure our bikes. No chocks or solid points to attach to. Fine so long as it was under tension but the operators weren't interested. It seems their training was limited to "yell at the paying customers and if that doesn't work yell more and louder before walking away"

[Navy Boy]

Yep - My experience with the ferries has differed quite considerably. Some simply leave you to your own devices - I must say that simply saying that you should bring your own tie-downs has always struck me as being a cop-out by the ferry companies. You're paying them for safe passage of you and your kit.

I bring my own tie downs because, like most of us on here, I like to be in charge of what happens to my bike. However this doesn't absolve the ferry company from taking reasonable duty of care to their fee-paying customers.

Perhaps if more of us complained they'd be more inclined to do something about it. And yes I include myself in that silent majority. Perhaps it's time I made more of a fuss. :confused:

[Viking01]

Actually I'd like to get some bar harness doofer for fairing'd bikes.

Suggestions?

Like this?

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/stands-lifts-ramps/listing-2022533371.htm?rsqid=6b5b5040ad7c47cd80232d47dd0e3 76d-002

Afternoon.

If you are looking for a set of tie-downs for a roadbike (for use
on the inter-island ferries), can I suggest that you have a look
at the following two links:

https://aerofast.co.nz/product/motorcycle-road-bike-tiedown/

https://aerofast.co.nz/product/37mm-motorcycle-tiedowns-karabiner/


My VFR has a bar configuration similar to that shown in the first link,
and I bought a set of the product shown within each link.

The first product spans the bar well, and avoids pressure on switchgear
(as well as avoiding rubbing on tank and on fairings).

The second product mates with the first, simply as shown in the photo
of the Britten in the second link.

The products are strong and well constructed (good heavy nylon), and I
would quite happily recommend them.

Mine have been used on several ferry crossings (the Bluebridge and the
Inter-Islander).

And they're easy to use.

Just get the machine on its sidestand, and fit the soft fitting over the
bar grips.

Hook up the left hand karabiner to the ferry floor and to the soft fitting,
stand your machine up vertically and then pull on and adjust the strap for
length. It has a knurled fitting, through which you pull the nylon strap
(in order to add or lose tension).

Put your machine back on its side stand.

Hook up the right hand karabiner to the ferry floor and to the other end
of the soft fitting, pull your machine up to vertical and then adjust that
strap for length.

Your machine should then stand freely, as in the Britten photo.

You can then pull down on each karabiner in turn to apply more pressure
on the front forks.

I was going to buy another set of the karabiner pack for the rear end
of my VFR, but MotoMart kindly donated me a set of rear tie-downs free
of charge (surplus after unpacking one of their new Ducatis). Given their
charge-out rate, maybe it was only fair.

Cheers.

[F5 Dave]

I'll look out for some. I occasionally move fairinged bikes in my van with much wider fairings than the Britten. My RS125 fairings were so narrow that it never raised as an issue.

Oxford seem to market a similar design so might go look in local TSS. Else Tardme it is.

[Autech]

Alright lads, I'm taking a R3 on Bluebridge on Friday.

I'm planning on bringing 3 standard good tie downs with me, just wondering what anyones experience has been with Bluebridge? According to their helpdesk someone will be there to assist but that's easy to say sitting at a desk.

I don't have any of the fancy loop things like above but I was planning on doing the standard compress of the forks and something over the rear to keep it there. Any other recommendations? Don't want to find a fallen over R3 with some cracked fairings when I get back to the deck.

[Viking01]

Alright lads, I'm taking a R3 on Bluebridge on Friday.

I'm planning on bringing 3 standard good tie downs with me, just wondering what anyones experience has been with Bluebridge? According to their helpdesk someone will be there to assist but that's easy to say sitting at a desk.

I don't have any of the fancy loop things like above but I was planning on doing the standard compress of the forks and something over the rear to keep it there. Any other recommendations? Don't want to find a fallen over R3 with some cracked fairings when I get back to the deck.

Hi,
It's been 2 years since my last crossing on the BlueBridge ferry, but from what I can remember:

- Bike parking area was over to the right-hand side after having come up the left-hand ramp.
- The ship staff on the deck are often too busy (or dis-interested) to help, so assume that you'll be left to your own devices.
- There were blocks available to chock the wheels. First in, first served.
- There were welded lugs on the deck for tie-down. Both front and rear.
- As long as the front end was chocked and then tensioned moderately firmly (not hard), then the rear just needed a tie-down to keep it positioned. Leave your side-stand down as well.

Your R3 will be a much lighter machine than a well-laden VFR800, so you should manage just fine.

The VFR is a little awkward, in that front tie-downs can rub on the fairings if you aren't careful. Hence why I use the following product

https://aerofast.co.nz/product/37mm-motorcycle-tiedowns-karabiner/

Cheers

[Edit]

See earlier post #532 above for fitting the tie-downs.

[F5 Dave]

Practice where you will run the handlebar attachment so you aren't backing cables etc. My Street has unfortunately placed front indicators. Looking the R3 also has them in a queer place but not so sticky out.

This is only a problem like on the last interislander where we had to have the front straps vertically down. Ideally you have front two angled forward and a rear one for pulling the bike back which is ideal if you choose a footrest mount or something solid like a rail.

[Gremlin]

This is only a problem like on the last interislander where we had to have the front straps vertically down. Ideally you have front two angled forward and a rear one for pulling the bike back which is ideal if you choose a footrest mount or something solid like a rail.
Swap with your neighbour, explain why. I've done it multiple times. We all want the same thing anyway...

[Navy Boy]

Alright lads, I'm taking a R3 on Bluebridge on Friday.

I'm planning on bringing 3 standard good tie downs with me, just wondering what anyones experience has been with Bluebridge? According to their helpdesk someone will be there to assist but that's easy to say sitting at a desk.

I don't have any of the fancy loop things like above but I was planning on doing the standard compress of the forks and something over the rear to keep it there. Any other recommendations? Don't want to find a fallen over R3 with some cracked fairings when I get back to the deck.

I've gotten away with using just two straps in the past - Though I did leave the bike in gear and used a chock wedged against the rear wheel too.

The deck hands won't be interested in helping you from my experience - Not unless you specifically ask them for help that is. If in doubt one of the other bike riders will probably be willing to give you a hand. :msn-wink:

I'm often a bit anal when it comes to checking my bike is secure when loading up on the ferry. If in doubt check it again as they won't accept any liability if things go wrong, regardless of whether you've paid for them to have a duty of care or not.

[Bonez]

It can be a bit tight if you have two bikes becide each with panniers/soft luggage bags on. So that is something to consider rwt to access to either bike.

My procedure was/is:

Leave bike in first.
Set it on the side sand.
Tie down as much as you feel comfortable with with the straps you have.(I used rope on my first ferry crossing decades ago)
Chock back and front of the rear wheel.
And the most important onei remove the key from the ignition.
Then head up with what ever small bag you have valuables,wallet etc in and have a nice cold or warm drink of what ever you like.

[Autech]

I've gotten away with using just two straps in the past - Though I did leave the bike in gear and used a chock wedged against the rear wheel too.

The deck hands won't be interested in helping you from my experience - Not unless you specifically ask them for help that is. If in doubt one of the other bike riders will probably be willing to give you a hand. :msn-wink:

I'm often a bit anal when it comes to checking my bike is secure when loading up on the ferry. If in doubt check it again as they won't accept any liability if things go wrong, regardless of whether you've paid for them to have a duty of care or not.

Cheers, as racer I'm fairly experienced with trailering bikes, so I imagine the process is the same. Though they're usually shitty race bikes and not a pretty R3 that belongs to my cousin, so I'll be super anal I think.


It can be a bit tight if you have two bikes becide each with panniers/soft luggage bags on. So that is something to consider rwt to access to either bike.

My procedure was/is:

Leave bike in first.
Set it on the side sand.
Tie down as much as you feel comfortable with with the straps you have.(I used rope on my first ferry crossing decades ago)
Chock back and front of the rear wheel.
And the most important onei remove the key from the ignition.
Then head up with what ever small bag you have valuables,wallet etc in and have a nice cold or warm drink of what ever you like.

So did you ratchet it down to the side stand? I've heard that's not a go as it can snap?

My plan was to put it on side stand, ratchet right hand side bar as far as it feels comfortable then do the left when I kick the stand up and balance it upright, then put something on the rear wheel.
I wonder if it's worth bringing a cable tie for the brake lever?

[eldog]

Another chap pulled alongside our party, he was going for broke with tiedowns. He had two on the front, two on the back and one over the seat. He had the bike on the centre stand. he cranked so hard on the front straps he pulled the bike off the stand, he was very lucky the whole thing didn't go over.

Sounds exactly like my experience. I may have been that bloke. Except it would have been January.

My first ferry trip.
The centre stand is a small trap when you use tie downs on the front.

I dont remember tying down the seat.

It was the water gushing in onto the deck that had me concerned......

Was a great experience.
Next time, I will take it easier and put the bike in the correct direction for disembarking.

Took me 3 goes at tying it down. Got there eventually.:killingme

[Viking01]

So did you ratchet it down to the side stand? I've heard that's not a go as it can snap?

My plan was to put it on side stand, ratchet right hand side bar as far as it feels comfortable then do the left when I kick the stand up and balance it upright, then put something on the rear wheel.
I wonder if it's worth bringing a cable tie for the brake lever?

I wouldn't ratchet a machine down onto the side stand. Others might choose to - that's their choice. [ The VFR has an inter-lock with the side-stand, another reason I've avoided over-stressing the side stand ]

Have a look at the steps in post #532 above. It should have included "first chock the front wheel".

If you do the front (with ties angled out and facing forward), then the rear (similar, facing backwards), and they're both nicely tensioned, the machine is not going anywhere. Sideways, or back-forward. Chock the rear as well if you want.

Cable-tie on the brake lever ? - I've never used one in all the crossings I've done, and the VFR will be a much heavier machine than the R3.

My 2c worth.

[Bonez]

Cheers, as racer I'm fairly experienced with trailering bikes, so I imagine the process is the same. Though they're usually shitty race bikes and not a pretty R3 that belongs to my cousin, so I'll be super anal I think.



So did you ratchet it down to the side stand? I've heard that's not a go as it can snap?

My plan was to put it on side stand, ratchet right hand side bar as far as it feels comfortable then do the left when I kick the stand up and balance it upright, then put something on the rear wheel.
I wonder if it's worth bringing a cable tie for the brake lever?No. Just tied the bike front and rear with two tie downs compressing both front and rear suspensions. Each side of the handle bars up front and either over the seat or attached to the rear carrier/pannier frame. Never had a s stde stand snap in 30 plus years of riding. Or any of my old riding buddies.

It becomes second nature after you have strapped a bike down a few times.

Some bike just don't have center stands as well.

[James Deuce]

Some bike just don't have center stands as well.

You get told off for using the centre stand by the deck hands in the know. Sidestand and tie downs deal with heavy seas way better than a centre stand.

[Bonez]

You get told off for using the centre stand by the deck hands in the know. Sidestand and tie downs deal with heavy seas way better than a centre stand.I'd imagine because centre stand puts the bike higher and spread is very narrow and will tend to topple over in heavy seas.

[James Deuce]

I'd imagine because centre stand puts the bike higher and spread is very narrow and will tend to topple over in heavy seas.
Precisely. Bit of a bugger when that happens.

[eldog]

You get told off for using the centre stand by the deck hands in the know. Sidestand and tie downs deal with heavy seas way better than a centre stand.

It takes very little forward movement to bring the centrestand over the centre point before it all comes awkward.

also the bike can slide around on the steel deck, so much fun.

i applied pressure to the front forks and tightened the straps, they act as a spring.
same with the rear. Tied them diagonally to try and prevent pitching.
surprisingly stable.

needant have worried flat calm:brick:

just needed to chill as the cars were let off first......
we didn’t want to get run over in the mad rush.
then over Remutakas and rest.

[Autech]

Back home now. Rough crossing (people were throwing up lol) but found the tie down points at wheel chocks were perfect for the task.

Took 3 tiedowns and did as suggested, one on each fork above the triple clamps and one to the rear threaded through the pillion peg mounts pulling back.
Left it on the sidestand and cranked it down just not too much so as to not stress the sidestand and frame.
Also as I was anal I used the loose ends of the tiedowns to tie the wheel chock to the wheel and around the front brake lever. She was fucking solid :D

Cheers for the advice homies

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

[NiggleC]

This is not about how to tie your bike down but a comment on the latest Bluebridge offering, the Connemarra and what a disappointment it is in 2 areas. I sailed on it on Sunday 5th November returning to the south island. Passenger comfort - the majority of passengers are seated on some fairly uncomfortable dining chairs in the cafe area and while there are some softer bench seats they are very much in the minority. By the time you tie your bike down you are never going to be in contention to sit there. There are no "airline" type seats. As for facilities for motorcycles there didn't seem to be any other than a few rope tie downs, the usual rubber chocks and some storage boxes tipped on their sides that you put your helmet in. Given the conditions experienced in Cook Strait i can only hope BB are working on providing more secure motorcycle stowage. I have always caught a ferry based on what time was convenient for me not really caring what boat it was but will be avoiding the Connemara next time i head north.

[BMWST?]

This is not about how to tie your bike down but a comment on the latest Bluebridge offering, the Connemarra and what a disappointment it is in 2 areas. I sailed on it on Sunday 5th November returning to the south island. Passenger comfort - the majority of passengers are seated on some fairly uncomfortable dining chairs in the cafe area and while there are some softer bench seats they are very much in the minority. By the time you tie your bike down you are never going to be in contention to sit there. There are no "airline" type seats. As for facilities for motorcycles there didn't seem to be any other than a few rope tie downs, the usual rubber chocks and some storage boxes tipped on their sides that you put your helmet in. Given the conditions experienced in Cook Strait i can only hope BB are working on providing more secure motorcycle stowage. I have always caught a ferry based on what time was convenient for me not really caring what boat it was but will be avoiding the Connemara next time i head north.
take your own tie downs.If you dont need them they dont take up much room,but if you do you have peace of mind