Steel ramps on Cook Strait ferries?

[Big Dave]

You just have to be smarter than the ramp.

[FJRider]

You just have to be smarter than the ramp.

Lessons already learner huh .. Is that the advice you give to all the harley riders ... ???

[BMWST?]

i havent been on the blue bridge but i wouldnt want to have to stop quickly on that grating stuff in the wet.I give myself plenty of room when going down them no issues with just riding them.But wet polished metal is very slippery esp when half of the surface is missing

[Chappie]

Have found the ramp on the Bluebridge a bit intimidating when you are about to commit yourself at the top and you realise its wet from a bit of slop from the crossing, you just need to get a free run to avoid using any braking. Had a problem coming off at Picton recently when I thought I had given the bike in front of me time to get clear and was already on my way when I realised he had stopped at the bottom of the ramp. A camper van was exiting from the bottom deck and had bellied the arse end on the drop off onto the wharf. With back wheels suspended and staff doing their best to get some packing under the wheels to jack it up enough to get it under way it meant everyone was held up including me on a fully laden 2 up tourer half way down the ramp, not a good place to be !! It would have taken around 10 minutes to get the camper underway and free up the backlog.I would however like to compliment the staff on the vehicle deck as I found them very helpfull and friendly. My question is, why cant they put bikes on the bottom deck ?

[MadDuck]

I have been on both Bluebridge and Interislander. The first time was Bluebridge and the guys are obviously biker friendly. As my legs are very close to my body I was extremely cautious and they did not rush me so it was all good. Ramps were fine.

Interislander I will never ever go on again. Probably did not help that a North Island HOG chapter was on the boat pushing everyone put of the way just so they could get themselves on first. We were sent on and made to wait half way down the ramp on the southern journey. Not ideal but at the end of the day it is all part of the trip.

The ramps are fine if not rushed and respected.

[Ocean1]

Only problem I've ever had on any of the ships was a deckhand telling me to back up to a fore/aft cable to tie down to. Got a bit testy when I insisted on doing it my way.