Trailer and dinghy on a ferry?

[sepharad]

I am considering bringing a 15.5 foot dinghy on a trailer fro Plymouth to Bilbao or Santander Spain.

Can I tow a sailing dinghy on a ferry?

Anyone done this?

[TrentePieds]

Why not call the ferry operators and ask them?

Here, the BC Ferry Authority has no objection. The fare for vehicle and trailer is determined by total length and height of vehicle and trailer regardless of what the load on the trailer is.

As long as length and height are within the maxima for the particular vessel to be boarded, bob's yer uncle.

TrentePieds

[boatman61]

Yes of course you can..
Folks are towing motorbikes, caravans and boats often on the Bilbao/Santander ferry to and from Plymouth.
Go on line and their website has all the info and prices

[sepharad]

Thank you Boatman,

It would be logical, but I have run into strange rules with the ferries so far. In the previous case involving a dog.

The ferry sites are generally great on price assessment for a vehicle and routes, but stink in other respects, like hauling a boat and dates of availability.

Direct contact information is also largely missing. So you are a valuable resource.

[Sailmonkey]

The only problem we run into with our local ferry pertains to portable fuel containers. Essentially if you’re using a fuel supply for an outboard that’s not built into the boat you’re not getting the fuel on the ferry.

[sepharad]

I saw a mention of no outboard and inboard engines. I assume draining them prior to travel might suffice.

May I ask if you have ever had success with a particular ferry line?

Thank you Sail Monkey.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by sepharad

I saw a mention of no outboard and inboard engines. I assume draining them prior to travel might suffice.



May I ask if you have ever had success with a particular ferry line?



Thank you Sail Monkey.

I’ve been on several ferry’s with pure sailing dinghies, no problems.

The only time I’ve tried with powered boats has been on the ferry system operated by the US state of Texas. Motorboats with outboards and factory installed fuel tanks provided no problem. Not even a second glimpse.

Smaller motorboats with a portable fuel can attached to the outboard are not specifically prohibited, only the portable fuel container. I’ve even tried to cross with new completely empty 20l fuel cans....no go.

[captlloyd]

Originally Posted by sepharad

I saw a mention of no outboard and inboard engines. I assume draining them prior to travel might suffice.

May I ask if you have ever had success with a particular ferry line?

Thank you Sail Monkey.

Put the outboard in the car, under a tarp.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by sepharad

I saw a mention of no outboard and inboard engines. I assume draining them prior to travel might suffice.

May I ask if you have ever had success with a particular ferry line?

Thank you Sail Monkey.

Yes, Brittany Ferries, LD lines and Stena ferries. Also on a large catamaran from Holland to UK. All with a 7m rib in tow. Supposed to be empty of fuel and did get quizzed about the flare box. Normally not allowed but explained that it was securely stowed in the rib and flares in the correct box etc.

Turned up in holland without a booking, the cat operators said we can squeeze you and a 3m trailer on tonight, is it more than 3m in length? I said nope hoping they wouldn't look out of the window at the 7m rib plus trailer bar We squeezed on.

Pete