Speedferries.com/ 355 Ground Clearance?

[edfez]

Has anyone taken a 355 on the new Dover to Boulougne crossing. I have rung them but they don't know if it will make it and don't want any responsibility etc....can't blame them for that. It's only £80 return and takes 50 minutes....seems a bargain unless I leave the front end behind.
If this is no good whats the best way over? I am planning on driving down to the South of France and perhaps even going to Italy for a factory visit.

All suggestions appreciated. Cheers.

[goodlife]

We've been taking this ferry most weekends during the summer so know it pretty well. Great service, but it's been running woefully behind schedule the last few weeks due to a blown turbo on one of the 4 engines.

The initial up-ramp where it joins the jetty is fairly severe and it WILL scrape your 355 unless you catch it at a perfect tidal time (highest tide possible). Due to the narrow width of the ramps it's not possible to take them at an angle.

However, if the sea is rough the boat will be bobbing up and down - as will the on-ramp - so with good timing (as the boat rises) you should be able to get on without scraping...

[nickster]

my 348 was badly scraped going out.

The bloke was watching intently,waving me forward,scrape.

Then he just looked at it and waved me forward even more scraping,damage done by now.

I was extremely pi$$ed off.

On the way back they couldnt have been more helpful.But I already had my front to repaint by then.

[wezo]

In July we followed a 360 off the boat and it made a horrible crunch as they got off the boat - there were 5 Elises and none of them scraped their front ends. Think I would use the tunnel givven the choice, its more expensive but a lot more pleasant the boat moves around a lot and if your not a good sailor - well, its not nicknamed the the "Vom Express" for nothing....

[edfez]

Thanks for that....sounds a bit risky. I may well take the train.
Cheers,
Ed