Chimaera's & Ferries - do they mix ?

[nsharp]

Anyone got any tips or advice on getting the Chimaera on & off of the cross channel ferries without losing anything from the underside ? Have had some bad experiences with cars with normal clearance so wondered what it's going to be like when the Chimaera heads to France later this year.

[Leadfoot]

Take the Chunnel. I know its a bit pricey but its worth it. If you insist on the lower deck when onloading, there is next to no height difference between train & road.

[Marco]

Hi I have taken my Griff on the Dover/Calais ferry with no problems at all. When I booked I warned them that it was very low and they told me that there was no need for any special treatment. I do remember a friend having problems in a Westfield a few years ago but maybe that was a different company or the ramps have been improved. I went with Sea France by the way. Cheers Marco

[mmertens]

Done this (ferry) some 5 times with my Cerbie, if you don't drive too fast when getting on and off you'll be OK. HOWEVER - some ferries have these ramps at the side where they load 2 rows of cars above eachother - they fill the top, lift the ramp and fill the bottom. Last time I got on I grounded it on driving off the ramp. I was not happy but it would seem no damage was done. I'll ask the garage to check things when I next get there. So get a ferry - loads cheaper than the Chunnel as well (what a ripoff that is if you go longer than 5 days). But do not get on the "2-storey" sideramps.

[paul]

just tell them when you arrive at the ferry port - my experience is that they'll make sure you aren't put up on the side ramps. I've been via Dover and Poole without problems. N.B. also remember that the inside of a ferry makes a great echo-chamber for a few gratuitous revs as you embark / disembark....

[wwp]

As stated, it is worth making sure, my Dad was asked to take a trailer (with rally car on it) up onto the second level, needless to say, they were a bit surprised to find that it did not make it, so they had to delay everything while they made room for him to back out, and park on the lower deck. Alan

[Alfa Dave]

A friend of mine badly clouted his Quattro rear box getting off the Brittany Ferries Portsmouth to Caen boat one Le Mans trip. On return to the UK he billed them for a new system (loads) and they paid up in full. Not suggesting that this is a reliable way to replace rusty bits but.....