Cook Strait Ferries Megathread

**OV Lander** · 25th December 2007, 18:31

So am about to head south for a couple of weeks on the bike, and thought it best to ask the idiot question here, amongst friends (?), rather than on the ferry.

Just how do you secure the dike on the ferry?.... ....OK, so I mean't Bike!!

Do you:
- tie it down as per on a trailer (not stand, compress the suspension)?
- put on a stand (side or centre)?
- put it in gear?
- provide your own tie downs?
- tie it down yourself or trust your machine to the crew?

I know some will say the answers are obvious, but I'd rather ask the 'bleedin' obvious' than damage the machine!

Cheers for all advice - G

**OV Lander** · 25th December 2007, 18:37

Meant to say - traveling by Bluebridge, if that makes any difference?

**dmouse** · 25th December 2007, 18:43

maybe your misses wont be happy being called a dike mate ??

tie downs and you have to supply them and fit them yourself unfortunatly but if you ask nice they might give you a hand good look and a good trip

#1 Today, 19:31
OV Lander
L-Plate Rider
Bike: BMW Dakar 2001
Location: Wellington
Posts: 16

TIPS: Bikes and Ferries

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So am about to head south for a couple of weeks on the bike, and thought it best to ask the idiot question here, amongst friends (?), rather than on the ferry.

Just how do you secure the dike on the ferry?
^^

**P38** · 25th December 2007, 18:54

Mate I asked too before my first trip and no one thought it stupid.

Dunno how you tie the dike (Maybe the ladies can help you out here)

but....

Here's my thoughts for securing a Bike.

The crew are really helpfull ask if your unsure, however they wont take as much care with your motorcycle as what you will.

Tie it down yourself.

Take your own tiedowns, 4 is a good number.

Some Compression on the front forks is good, tie the back wheel securely

Tie it back against the wall if possible, common sense will dictate how this is done, but similar to a trailer is a good approach.

You can use anchor points in the cargo bay floor and on the walls.

Stand down and in gear cant hurt either

Look around for a good spot where other vehicles will be less likely to damage your bike if things get a bit rough.

Watchout for the idoit tourists in the campervans, they dont mean to be stupid but they are.

Sometimes stuff gets nicked from unlocked vehicles so either lock it of take it with you.

Hope this helps

Have an awsome trip down south and remember the southern roads are teeming with drivers who usually drive on your side of the road so be careful

**OV Lander** · 25th December 2007, 19:20

Originally Posted by P38

Dunno how you tie the dike (Maybe the ladies can help you out here)

No problems them - Christmas will be a happy one!

.... ....but the bike still presents a challenge

**zeRax** · 25th December 2007, 19:27

just take some good tie downs, and ask someone to give you a hand, bluebridge is really good like that, twice ive theyve done it for me ( cause im no sailor and sold a couple bikes that went on it, wasnt about to throw in some tie downs was i :P )

_b

**boomer** · 25th December 2007, 19:39

two ties downs from the bars ( one each side ); else over the triple tree. DON'T put ya stand down; put the bike upright and compress the forks a little. secure the rear from jumping up and down.. done!

Take your own tie downs, ask for someone to sit on the bike whilst you tie it down/untie it.

Enjoy!

**OV Lander** · 25th December 2007, 20:38

Cheers guys - great advice! Much appreciate your input.... ...Now go have a great break - it IS Christmas!

**awayatc** · 26th December 2007, 01:51

Your normal insurance won't cover for mishaps aboard the ferry...Neither will the ferry pay for damages....

**Taz** · 26th December 2007, 08:09

Why not?......

**ajturbo** · 26th December 2007, 08:37

Originally Posted by Anthrax

Why not?......

well lets say you fell off yesterday, 5k damage to bike... but ridable

today you hope on ferry...
you use some old string your grandad had found last centry...

you tie your bike up/down with it..
first gental wave, crash, over your bike falls.... onto a 50k shitter all blinged out.

so there ....someone has a bill for your 5k damage and the 50k shitter...

**Taz** · 26th December 2007, 08:42

so you're saying that while your bike or car or truck is on the ferry you are uninsured? Find that hard to believe. Nothing in my policy about ferries.

**K slider** · 26th December 2007, 10:24

I use bluebridge, they have good tie down points and whel chocks.
I have sidestand down 2 chocks and tie the rear via lift handles on my Dakar.
centre stand not a good idea as side stande gives 3 points of contact. or tie rear wheel to back rail and tie front to bars or forklegs chocks a also very good.
have a great trip, Pete.

**sunhuntin** · 26th December 2007, 17:54

i always have the sidestand down... i use 2 tiedowns of my own and a wheel chock. stand goes down and "ropes" get hooped over the bars. i pull the sidestand one as tight as it will go first [be careful not to get cables caught underneath] and then do the other side. i try and keep the front as straight/in line with the bike as possible.
i should use back tiedowns as well, but when ive got saddle bags, theres not really anywhere to attach them.
sometimes you will get lucky and they will have proper tiedowns as well as the ropes. if there are other bikes with [and chances are there will be] ask their advice. only ferry staff are allowed on the vehicle deck during sailing. i stay with the bike till the deck is mostly empty, and then get back asap after docking. last time i left all my kit with the bike and it was fine.

**Swoop** · 26th December 2007, 21:01

The "ratchet-type" tie-down is preferable over the spring type. The spring-loaded bit, that applies pressure on the webbing can slip... quite easily and at the worst moment.

This is getting a bit extreme...

But this is rather sad. An Association??