Is the Portsmouth / Caen Ferry GT3 Friendly?
Is the Portsmouth / Caen Ferry GT3 Friendly?
Author
Discussion

GrahamSaunders

Original Poster:

211 posts

197 months

Thursday 5th April 2012
quotequote all
Planing a trip to Le Mans in my 997.1 GT3 and was thinking of using the ferry from Portsmouth to Caen. However, as per ealier thread I am concerned that I wont be able to get on the ferry without ripping the front splitter off. Anyone taken a GT3 or GT3RS on this route can advise?

Porkster

186 posts

178 months

Thursday 5th April 2012
quotequote all
If you point it out to the dock loaders or when you book in they have boards they use to get you over the ramps. All ferries are a PITA when it comes to low cars. You'll just have to use your charm on them to help you on.

Rhodie

112 posts

282 months

Thursday 5th April 2012
quotequote all
Yep I took my 997 GT3.2 RS over a couple of times last year on the fast ferry from Poole to Cherbourg and the slow Ferry on the return to Portsmouth.

I used the front axle lift system which made all the difference, without it you may struggle, but they are generally helpful so ask them to provide the necessary ramps.

I'll be at Le Mans in August as well.

dazren

22,612 posts

291 months

Thursday 5th April 2012
quotequote all
Is your suspension height standard?

I've done the fast cat Portsmouth to Caen/Cherbourg a few times and had no problems with my 996TT, at the same time another PHer was fine with a 996TT which had a factory aerokit with the protruding painted front lip spolier. GT3s run about 1cm lower than turbos. I'd expect his lip spoiler to cause more issues than the one fitted to a 997GT3.

C2'S'man

626 posts

253 months

Thursday 5th April 2012
quotequote all
I have used the Hull ferry several times in my old GT3.1 and simply unclipped the splitter, took it off and placed it in the car for the duration of the sail.

A PITA, but having previously had a queue of cars ( not really sympathetic to the Porsche driver creating said queuemad) waiting behind me, whilst trying to get the thing on the ship, it's the best option!

g

GrahamSaunders

Original Poster:

211 posts

197 months

Thursday 5th April 2012
quotequote all
Suspension is standard but I don't have a front axle lift. Experience with 996 TTs probably usefull but would really like to hear from someone with a GT3 or GT3RS without a lift kit. My previous experience in other cars was that the ramp angles can be quite severe and the staff always seem keen to hurry you on.

GrahamSaunders

Original Poster:

211 posts

197 months

Thursday 5th April 2012
quotequote all
C2'S'man said:
I have used the Hull ferry several times in my old GT3.1 and simply unclipped the splitter, took it off and placed it in the car for the duration of the sail.

A PITA, but having previously had a queue of cars ( not really sympathetic to the Porsche driver creating said queuemad) waiting behind me, whilst trying to get the thing on the ship, it's the best option!

g
Sounds like a sensible solution, although as you say a PITA. How easy is it today - isn't it a couple of screws and some clips - does it go back on easilly?

C2'S'man

626 posts

253 months

Thursday 5th April 2012
quotequote all
Two screws, one on the bottom of the splitter on each side where it attaches to the wing/s. Take these out and then simply pull the splitter from the front and it will slide out from the PU.. I generally take the screws out before I get to the terminal, which means all you have to do is pull the splitter off when you get there. On the other side simply reverse this procedure....

Two minute job, literally , easy peesy biggrin

My new car has the lift wink

g

GrahamSaunders

Original Poster:

211 posts

197 months

Thursday 5th April 2012
quotequote all
C2'S'man said:
Two screws, one on the bottom of the splitter on each side where it attaches to the wing/s. Take these out and then simply pull the splitter from the front and it will slide out from the PU.. I generally take the screws out before I get to the terminal, which means all you have to do is pull the splitter off when you get there. On the other side simply reverse this procedure....

Two minute job, literally , easy peesy biggrin

My new car has the lift wink

g
Sounds like the best approach - thanks for the advice. Lift would be handy!

Trev450

6,757 posts

202 months

Thursday 5th April 2012
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The 2 screws being referred to are Torx head screws so make sure you have the correct tool.

Fattrader

515 posts

252 months

Sunday 3rd February 2013
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GS, how did you get on with getting on and off ferry. I am considering taking my GT3 over in May on this ferry?

FalconWood

1,373 posts

227 months

Sunday 3rd February 2013
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GrahamSaunders said:
Suspension is standard but I don't have a front axle lift. Experience with 996 TTs probably usefull but would really like to hear from someone with a GT3 or GT3RS without a lift kit. My previous experience in other cars was that the ramp angles can be quite severe and the staff always seem keen to hurry you on.
I have done that ferry trip with Ferrari Scuderia and that is very low with no mechanical aids. The crew were very helpful taking the time to direct me over the lip at an angle and they were watching both ends all the way. Very helpful guys smile

GrahamSaunders

Original Poster:

211 posts

197 months

Tuesday 5th February 2013
quotequote all
Fattrader said:
GS, how did you get on with getting on and off ferry. I am considering taking my GT3 over in May on this ferry?
I didn't end up taking the trip so can't comment. Having been on this ferry in my A6 I am very dubious about taking the GT3. Removing the front splitter seems like an option - sounds easy going by the replies to my post, but not something I would fancy doing just before boarding.

Anyone else taken a GT3 on this ferry without ripping the splitter off?