Bike on a ferry

[minnmac]

Been looking at riding over to one of those island/tourist destinations for a few days next year. Washington Island Wi or Mackinac Mi. Both require a ferry trip. Never had a bike on a boat. Anybody know how stable my baby will be [my bike, Renate can look after herself]. Anything i should know or do before i show up at the dock. Just curious, thanks. al

[BEER30]

Best to call ahead to the 1-800-FERRY (for example) to see what the requirements are . I have heard that some Ferries do not require anything , some ask you to stay with the scoot ,some have tie-downs . Many ask you to wait last or board first . Just calling the Ferry itself will save you a lot of grief or give you better preparation than what any of us could advise .

 

BEER30

[YYZ]

All the ferries I took this summer supplied big wooden wedges to jam under the right side of the frame. I understand ships on rough crossings will have tie down points on the deck but you may have to supply your own straps.

First on, first off was my experience.

[straycatt]

If you're thinking about taking your scoot to Mackinac Island Michigan.......not going to happen.

While there are motor vehicles on the island, ie., emergency vehicles, snowmobiles in the winter. Fudgies (what they call tourists up there) are not allowed to take their motorized rides onto the island.

 

You can take your bicycle but not your motorcycle.

[BMW]

We did the Washington Island one a few years ago. Tie downs are available but we didn't use them, the water was very calm first thing in the morning.I Would have a few straps with you just to be safe.

[KeithR]

I live on an island in the North Atlantic so its a 6hr ferry ride to the mainland of Canada. If you have to tie down have a couple of straps and a couple of loop straps(if that makes sense) to hook them to. We also use electrical tape to hold the front brake on. I used the passing light bracket and that probley wasn't a good spot to tie to...didn't do that on return trip!

 

Keith

[juggler]

I've done the SS Badger across Lake Michigan. I brought my own tie downs. The car deck had a metal grate section where the put the bikes. I tied to the frame crash bars front and back. Bike stayed put no problems even though we had BIG Lake Michigan waves.

[MidlifeVenture]

This is all I could think of when I read the title but it is upside down and backwards

[First_N_Last]

don't forget to take some old bread to toss to the seagulls

[Owen]

The ones here near Houston are no fuss no muss. Easy on, park with kickstand down and in gear, easy off.

[BOO]

There was a time when the trip to Washington Island required a deck hand to ride the bike on and off the Ferry. I refused so I didn't go. Few years later I was again in that area and the rules had changed and I was able to ride my own bike on the Ferry. I could be mistaken but I believe I was last on, first off.

I didn't have to tie down and I do agree, just a phone call will take care of all your questions.

Rode other Ferries through the years with no problems.

Good Luck,

BOO

[hunter 1500]

I toured with a group of bikers and we rode on the Chi Cheemaun ferry across Lake Huron to Manitoulin Island and we were the first on and first off and they had ropes to tie your bike down with. The ride was a 6 day tour and I didn't have a lot of extra room so I didn't take ratchet straps but it worked fine.http://www.ontarioferries.com/chi/english/index.html

[a1bummer]

When I take the ferries across to Madeline Island from Bayfield, I've had no problems at all. No tie-downs needed. Great place to visit by the way. Even when all the campgrounds and hotels are full, it's still not terribly crowded. Lots of very scenic hiking trails both along the lake and in the woods. If ya wanna go with, we go about once a year for a few days. Next year we want to go later in the summer so the water is a bit warmer so I can go jumping off the cliffs into the clear blue water.

[FJR Rider]

As mentioned, you don't need to worry about the ferry going to Mackinac Island...they won't let you take your motorcycle to the island anyway. Bicycle yes, motorcycle no.

 

Still a nice ride across northern WI and the UP to get to St Ignace, and then the passenger ferry to the Island.

Edited November 1, 2009 by FJR Rider

[Sheradan]

I've traveled the islands and Washington and never had an issue. You always get on no matter how crowded it is. Bikes always fit on the end. I just used the kick stand but left it in gear.

[Sailor]

I live on an island. Up here bikes are first on/first off. The waters across Georgia Strait can get very rough but there has been no problem if you use the blocks provided and leave the bike in gear. If there are no bike blocks you can use two car blocks stacked up.

[ablumny]

Back when I had my 1100 Vstar; Yarmouth Nova Scotia - Portsmouth Maine. 6 hours and they make you strap your bike down but they supply the straps. Yep, call ahead and ge the details for bikes.....

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9EMyKcng_yA/SE6V_BPpdOI/AAAAAAAAAcA/VQ1GjVgPXNc/s640/Nova%20Scotia%20June%2008%20364.jpghttp://lh3.ggpht.com/_9EMyKcng_yA/SE6V_py267I/AAAAAAAAAcI/llE0OjQcGhE/s640/Nova%20Scotia%20June%2008%20366.jpg

[PBJ]

A few years back took a tour around lake Ontario, In Canada there were three ferries we had to take all open deck. The first no problem but the second there were several other riders there when we were all allowed to load the ex and I rode in first. the others all waited behind and came on last. We couldn't understand why until the boat got underway. Though the water wasn't rough wave were splashing up over the bow and our bikes ( and luggage) got a bath before we pulled them off and got them inside. I swear the other riders knew but chose not to warn us. sneeky!

[minnmac]

thanks for the replies. answered alot. pictures helped my slow brain. totally forgot the no vehicles on mackinac, that rules out michigan. al

[juggler]

thanks for the replies. answered alot. pictures helped my slow brain. totally forgot the no vehicles on mackinac, that rules out michigan. al

 

 

Just cuz they don't allow motorized vehicles on Mackinac Island does not mean you should not go. We spent a week out there in October of 2008. One day we went out to the Island. The main street is short enough that walking is no problem at all. And we took a carriage ride to see the rest of the island that you can see.