Isle of Man Ferries

[grandadtrumpo]

I am the proud owner of an Esprit GT3 and I am wanting to take it via the ferry to the Island in September and I was wondering if there are any problems regarding ramps and ground clearance getting on and off the ferry. Any advice would be appreciated, thanks in advance Dave

[molemot]

Never taken the IoM ferry...but, generally, the angle of the ferry ramps will depend on the state of the tide; so a quick squint at the tide tables before booking might be worthwhile!

[Dave Eds]

if you're going with the IOMSteampacket you'll be fine - done it 3 times each way in the Elan in atrocious conditions without a problem - their guys are really helpful!

[hedgerley]

Ditto for me in October. Post your experience when you get back David.

[neal]

I went with a group of exotica to the IOM a few years back for a hoon around the TT. None of us had any problems with the ferry. My car had the the S350 front lip and was lowered so only had a few inches clearance at the front but was fine.

The guys who run the ferries were well used to it - they must see a lot of serious machinery - and help you straddle the lips on the ramp at as shallow an angle an possible.

Have fun!

[Leigh Greenham]

And also no problem with a 1980 Elite when we did Liverpool to Douglas five years back. Here we are halfway round the TT course at 'Bungalow', just about to take the tram the last few hundred metres to the summit of Snaefell. It was so clear when were up there we could see England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Eire. Brilliant and recommended.

[islandbloke]

Manx branch here: As mentioned, we get lots of exotica and the blokes at the ferry are usually pretty switched on, but explain your concerns when you check in and they'll at least be looking out for you.

Enjoy your trip and our many derestricted roads...early mornings are best for hooning but take care as tractors and sheep (no really) can crop up unexpectedly...

[Laura]

Hi David, I think I spoke with you at the Donnington show this year? Glad you found your way on the the forums and got, what looks like, some very helpful advice!

[grandadtrumpo]

Many thanks to all who replied to my request and car is now booked on the Ben My Chree 21st September for an 8 day exploration of the island. Maybe I can meet up with some fellow Esprit owners while I am there. Looking forward to it !!!!

[hedgerley]

Just back from a long weekend in the IoM, staying with friends in Port Erin. Great time, guilt free driving on the mountain section of the TT course at 100mph when conditions allowed officer and with the speed limiter disconnected (she stayed in for coffee)

All sailings yesterday cancelled due to bad weather but we got out on the evening crossing which meant we got home at 3.30am this morning.

The ferry was OK once on, but my splitter graunched getting on and off. Once on, the guys pulled me out of the queue and directed me to where they were parking vans on Deck 3 which meant I didn't have to negotiate the ramps up to the higher deck. Plenty of room as well, not as cramped as cross channel ferries I've been on where I've struggled to get out of the (non Lotus) car!

[grandadtrumpo]

Hi to all who replied to my initial topic. I can now say a bit belatedly that I had a wonderful time, no probs with the ferry, the crew made sure that the front spoiler was clear both getting on and off the ramps.By the way Hedgerly I beleive that you parked your Esprit in the same road at Port Erin, and almost in the same spot as I did; as it was spotted by my brother. I am glad you enjoyed the lappery of the T.T. circuit as I did especially Rhencullen, Quarry Bends and out of Ramsey Hairpin and over the mountain. I have pictures of my visit which I will endeavour to post when I discover how.

[hedgerley]

Small world. Two Esprits on Bay View Road in a matter of weeks. I doubt Port Erin will recover this side of Christmas.

It was my third visit to the IoM. I went to the TT in 2006 on my bike. An awesome experience. Previously I went on a family holiday when I was 17. It was my ambition to drive the course. I did. In a Vauxhall Viva HC. On L plates. Somewhat slower than an Esprit V8.