Ferry travel with a GT3 - Page 1 - 911/Carrera GT - PistonHeads UK

Im looking at taking a driving tour this spring starting with a ferry to Rotterdam any one have any experience in a GT3 getting on and off? I usually take the tunnel and could do it that way again of course but all my buddies are taking the ferry and it would be nice to go over with them. Losing splitters I can live with but grinding the underside of my car away would not make for a good start to the tour. Appreciate any feedback from those in the know before I chicken out and drive the long way round!

Wow what a coincidence! I just logged into ask the very same question as in the process of trying to book a crossing myself! I am sure there are plenty here who will know the answer, the ferry company I just spoke to were beyond vague.

Just found this: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=128... Certainly puts my mind at rest.

very interested to know how you get on.

You will get on the car deck without any issues. When you drive off the there is a lip that you drive over to get on the ramp. This lip will remove a splitter on the 996 and scratch/scuff a 997. Ask to go on the cargo floor and you wont have any issues. The only downside is that it takes longer to get off.

I normal use ferry to go to Spa or the ring. Just take off the splitter before you board, it takes secs if you have removed the 2 screws prior. Then there's no issue at all.

If you're heading over via Hull, P&O, the staff see some fairly low machines every June and all seem to get on and off ok. They seem to have enough experience to guide you on and off pretty well. I really wouldn't sweat it that much.

I took my 997 RS on the Rotterdam Ferry and only scraped the lip, but rest went ok. No risk of damaging underside.

I took my 997 RS on the Rotterdam Ferry and only scraped the lip, but rest went ok. No risk of damaging underside.

Thanks guys really big help Rotterdam here we come! Will just pop the splitter off as advised. Thanks again gents big help.

Wasn't too impressed with my first journey on the Newcastle to Holland ferry. On the car deck we were forced to go so close to the side I couldn't get out the car without trying to climb over the centre console, not ideal with my long legs !! Was also next to the exit door to the accomodation where everyone was squeezing past the car, again not ideal. Was fine on the way back as it wasn't so busy, with only 2 cars abreast instead of 3.

I've struggled through it with my GT2 a number of times in the Med. Try to get on/off the boat as diagonally as possible. But then there were underground hotel parkings etc that were even worse. I've eventually, had this installed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6L0YpSE_xk

I've done the Hull Rotterdam ferry several times with various people in cars from a. Carrera through 996 GT3, 997 GT3 to 7.1RS (with odd Ferrari/Lamborghini) We've always got on/off ok as the guys on the deck put planks down to help us get on off and they usually get on their hands and knees to check the cars aren't grounding out whilst motioning us forward slowly - I think they are used to Brits heading for the Nurburgring/Spa We've never had any issues with damage, but when there's a few of you all lined up queuing to use planks etc, you can upset everyone stuck behind - just imagine the top gear garage in Paris scene..... Go to the P&O website to book, but make sure you get the email receipt for the booking or it can be a right farce on the quayside Plus get the evening meal/breakfast option when booking - the buffet is awesome I'm sure you would be careful anyway, but be wary of getting tucked into the beer on the way over, there's a good chance you will be breath tested on the quay and they won't let you go 'til you pass the test Great tunnel on the way out of Rotterdam......... http://youtu.be/w88pSGy61VA

Tide height has a bearing on this, ramps can have different angles depending on how low/high the ship is sitting when berthed. 996 lost splitter twice on Dover/Calais but 997 got away with it. The brake ducts are a little vulnerable on the 996 too but the splitter is the real problem. No damage will get done to the underside though , just do it.